Ogun High Court Dismisses Ex-Council Chair’s Suit Against Governor Abiodun

The High Court of Ogun State has dismissed the claim by the suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Honourable Wale Adedayo, against the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Honourable Adedayo two years ago instituted the suit challenging his suspension as the council boss, alleging that the governor orchestrated his suspension.

Dismissing all his claims against the governor, the court held that the local government is a separate entity distinct from the governor.

The court however could not find any nexus between the petition and the alleged political differences.

Agreeing with the First Defendant through his counsel, Adekunle Manuel, Assistant Director, Civil Litigations who appeared with P.M Sebiomo, confirmed there was no convincing evidence to suggest that the governor was behind the petition or that such petition was written due to the claimant’s allegation of political differences.

The court equally found that since the local government and its legislative council were separate from the governor, the governor could not be held responsible for their action or inaction.

Furthermore, vide provisions of the Local Government Law of Ogun State, states that it was only the governor that could suspend the claimant for a period of three months, a step the governor never took.

In the final analysis, the judge noted that since the tenure of the claimant had lapsed, he could not be restored to his office, despite the steps taken towards his removal being illegal, null and void.