Political tension is mounting in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, following the suspension of two local government chairmen within 24 hours, alongside a separate disciplinary action by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against its chairman in Ogbomoso North.
The developments have heightened political conversations across the zone ahead of the forthcoming December local government election.
The latest development occurred on Tuesday when councillors of Surulere Local Government Area suspended its Executive Chairman, Hon. Adegbite Isaiah Alaba, over allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
The suspension came barely 24 hours after councillors of Oriire Local Government suspended their chairman, Hon. Olateju Michael Alabi, on Monday.
The back-to-back suspensions have generated discussions among political stakeholders and residents, with questions being raised over the timing of the decisions and their possible implications for the forthcoming local government election.
Surulere Councillors Suspend Chairman
In Surulere Local Government, nine councillors reportedly unanimously adopted a resolution suspending Adegbite during a legislative sitting presided over by the House Leader.
The councillors, representing various wards in the local government, accused the chairman of financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
Following the resolution, the legislative arm directed the Vice Chairman to assume office in an acting capacity pending further action by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The councillors also called on the state legislature to take the necessary constitutional steps towards the chairman’s removal.
They further recommended that the allegations be referred to the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency for investigation and possible prosecution.
However, the allegations against Adegbite have not been independently established, while his response to the suspension was unavailable as of the time of filing this report.
Oriire Chairman Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct
The development in Surulere followed the suspension of Oriire Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olateju Michael Alabi, on Monday.
Alabi was suspended by eight councillors during a legislative sitting presided over by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Adeniran Issa.
The suspension has added to the growing political uncertainty in the Ogbomoso zone, particularly as political parties and stakeholders intensify preparations for the December local government election.
APM Suspends Ogbomoso North Chairman
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in Ogbomoso North has also been unsettled by the suspension of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) chairman in the local government, Sikiru Jimoh, alongside other party members.
The affected members were reportedly nominated by former Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, and Alhaji Razaq Gbadegesin, popularly known as Agbeti.
The party said the disciplinary action was based on alleged anti-party activities, which it described as actions contrary to its principles, unity and collective interests.
According to the party’s statement, the affected members have been directed to suspend their participation in party activities pending further action.
The APM said the measure was intended to strengthen internal discipline and prevent further disagreements within its Ogbomoso North chapter.
Political Implications Ahead of December Election
Although the local government suspensions and the APM disciplinary action are separate developments, their proximity has intensified political conversations across the Ogbomoso zone.
A political analyst, commenting on the developments, described the situation as politically charged and suggested that the timing of the suspensions could be connected to the intensifying struggle for political influence ahead of the election.
However, the circumstances surrounding the suspensions remain subject to further clarification, while the allegations against the affected officials require due process.
Residents and political stakeholders are now awaiting the official position of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the state government on the local government suspensions, as well as further clarification from the parties involved.
The unfolding developments have placed Ogbomoso’s political landscape under renewed scrutiny, raising questions about the implications for local governance, party cohesion and the conduct of the forthcoming December local government election.
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