By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The councillors of Owo Local Government in Ondo State on Wednesday suspended the council chairman, Mr Tope Omolayo, following allegations of gross misconduct. Omotayo, who was elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last year’s local government elections, reportedly had unresolved issues with the elected councillors in recent times.
The decision was contained in a resolution endorsed by a two-thirds majority of the local government legislative council. The resolution stated:
“The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to uphold good governance and accountability within the Owo Local Government Area.
“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, flagrant violations of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect towards traditional leaders, and a consistent failure to conduct himself appropriately. These serious allegations warrant a thorough investigation.
“During the suspension period, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, will assume the role of Acting Chairman of the Local Government Area Council. An investigation into the allegations will be carried out in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.
“The council assures the citizens of Owo Local Government Area that this suspension is crucial for ensuring accountability and good governance. We encourage all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work to resolve these issues.
“Key details of the suspension include: Hon. Tope Omolayo is suspended effective immediately, with Hon. Hamed Ibrahim serving as acting chairman during this time.
The Head of the Local Government Administration will implement necessary changes to bank signatories, acknowledging Hon. Hamed Ibrahim as the Acting Chairman.
All properties belonging to the Local Government Area Council that are in Hon. Omolayo’s possession will be handed over to the Head of the Local Government Administration.
“The legislative council remains committed to serving the people of Owo Local Government Area and is dedicated to upholding standards of good governance and accountability.”
In response, the suspended chairman denied the councillors’ action, telling journalists that he had not received any official communication regarding his purported suspension.
“Those are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them, we did not even argue. We were in the same program yesterday,” he said.