The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Hon. Tope Omolayo, has been suspended indefinitely by the Legislative Council over allegations of gross misconduct.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was one of the key resolutions reached by the Owo Legislative Council during its sitting on Wednesday in Owo, under the leadership of the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo.
According to a resolution signed by a two-thirds majority of the 11 councillors, the council said the decision was taken “to ensure good governance and accountability” within the local government.
The councillors accused Hon. Omolayo of financial impropriety, violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers, and alleged inappropriate conduct in office.
During the suspension period, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, has been directed to assume office as Acting Chairman pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
The Legislative Council further directed the Head of Local Government Administration to update the council’s bank signatories to reflect the new leadership and to recover all government properties in Omolayo’s possession.
While assuring residents of Owo of its commitment to transparency, the council urged all stakeholders to remain calm as the investigation proceeds.