Ogbomoso South chairman rejects suspension, alleges political persecution

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of Oyo State, Prince Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy, has rejected his purported suspension by members of the council’s legislative arm, describing the action as illegal, politically motivated and contrary to the rule of law.

Oyeniyi also dismissed the reported suspension of his vice chairman, insisting that both elected officials remained in office because, according to him, the legislative arm lacked the authority to remove them through what he described as questionable procedures.

In a statement personally signed on Tuesday, November 3, the chairman said the development did not come as a surprise, alleging that he had received information weeks earlier about moves by some individuals to undermine his administration.

He accused some members of the legislative arm and individuals he described as political power brokers of attempting to remove him from office for political reasons. He also argued that political realignment was a legitimate democratic right and should not be used as grounds to persecute elected public officeholders.

Making reference to Governor Seyi Makinde’s political realignment, Oyeniyi maintained that changes in political affiliation should not automatically lead to the loss of an elected position. He alleged that despite remaining loyal to the Oyo State Government after the departure of his political leader, his commitment to the administration was being exploited to perpetrate political injustice against him.

The chairman reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Ogbomoso South, insisting that his mandate came from the electorate and could not be withdrawn through what he described as a purported legislative resolution. He vowed to continue discharging his responsibilities until the lawful expiration of his tenure.

“I swore an oath to serve the residents and indigenes of Ogbomoso South, and that oath remains binding on my conscience. I will not abandon that responsibility because of political intimidation,” he said.

Oyeniyi also warned against actions capable of disrupting governance and creating tension in the council, insisting that neither he nor his deputy had ceased to hold office. He maintained that any attempt to remove elected officials must follow the appropriate constitutional and legal procedures.

The development comes amid similar disputes involving local government chairmen in Oyo State, as the chairmen of Surulere and Oriire local government areas have also rejected reported suspension moves against them. The disagreements have raised questions about the relationship between local government executive and legislative arms, although the legal validity of the purported suspensions and the extent of the legislative arm’s powers remain matters requiring clarification.