The Alimosho Local Government Council has taken legal action against the Lagos State House of Assembly, accusing it of undue interference in its operations. The council, alongside its chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Jelili, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the Assembly’s authority to oversee its activities.
The dispute stems from a resolution passed by the Assembly on August 27, directing the council to terminate a contract with a market toll collector and replace him with another individual. The council contends that this directive oversteps the Assembly’s constitutional powers.
The plaintiffs argue that the local government, as an independent arm of government, should not be subject to the Assembly’s oversight, especially concerning market operations, which fall under the council’s jurisdiction. They assert that the Assembly’s actions amount to intimidation and are unconstitutional.
The legal battle follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year affirming the autonomy of local governments. The plaintiffs hope the court’s decision will reinforce this ruling and protect local governments from undue interference.
Despite the lawsuit, the Lagos Assembly recently suspended Chairman Jelili over allegations of misconduct, further escalating the conflict. The council’s lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, described the suspension as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge the Assembly’s actions in court.
