Oyo Assembly suspends four council chairmen over alleged financial misconduct

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended four local government chairmen over allegations of financial impropriety, mismanagement of public funds and abuse of office.

The affected chairmen are Timothy Oyeniyi of Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Olateju Michael Alabi of Oriire, Adegbite Isaiah of Surulere and Muritala Abiodun Oyewumi of Iwajowa.

The suspension was announced during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Fadeyi, following the consideration of a petition containing allegations against the council chairmen.

Explaining the decision, the House Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, said the assembly acted within its constitutional oversight responsibilities to promote accountability and transparency in local government administration.

He added that the affected chairmen had been directed to step aside, while their respective vice chairmen would take over the administration of the councils in an acting capacity.

Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South State Constituency, said the arrangement would remain in force pending the outcome of investigations and the assembly’s final decision on the matter.

Meanwhile, the house mandated its Committee on Local Government Matters to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its report within one week. The findings are expected to guide further legislative action.

In a related development, the 2027 Finance and Appropriation Bill passed its first and second readings during the plenary, paving the way for further legislative consideration.