BREAKING: Owo Council chairman suspended over alleged misconduct

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Hon. Tope Omolayo, has been placed on indefinite suspension following allegations of gross misconduct and financial irregularities.

The decision to suspend him was reached on Tuesday during a plenary session of the Owo Legislative Council, presided over by the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo.

Out of the 11 councillors in the council, a two-thirds majority reportedly backed the resolution, which accused Omolayo of breaching financial procedures and showing disregard for traditional authorities in the area.

Part of the resolution reads: “The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in the Owo Local Government Area.

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.”

The council directed the Vice Chairman, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, to assume office as Acting Chairman while an investigation into the allegations continues.

The lawmakers also pledged that the probe would be handled with fairness and transparency.

Omolayo could not be reached for his reaction to the suspension at the time of filing this report.