There’s tension in Owo Local council secretariat in Owo, Ondo State, as the legislative arm of the council suspended the executive Chairman of the council, Mr. Tope Omolayo, indefinitely.

But the chairman declared that he remained in office.

He was said to have been suspended on Wednesday for alleged gross misconduct.

Omolayo described the suspension as sheer media propaganda, saying he had not received any letter from Legislative Council of the local government in respect of the alleged suspension.

He described brains behind the alleged suspension as elements of destruction, adding that some councillors had not being comfortable with his prudence.

The council boss said: “Those are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them, we did not even argue. We were in the same program yesterday.

“I was in the office during the installation of the appointee advisors. But I knew there were some leaders who were not happy with what we were doing.

“When I asked them what their bone of contention was, someone said it is for me to stop all security activities in Owo.

“So, they are not happy. All they wanted was for me to give them money. When they gave me project money, they said I should give them 30 percent. I said no. They said I should go and bring N25 million. All they were agitating for was money, money, money.”

Speaking on his status in the council, Omolayo declared that “As far as we are concerned, nothing is happening. I am not impeached. I am not suspended. Nothing is happening. It’s just an online kangaroo announcement. That’s all I can say now.

“I am still the executive chairman of our local government”

Reacting to the allegation that he was disrespectful to the traditional rulers in the local government area, Omolayo said: “One cannot praise himself, all you need to do is call Kabiyesi Ojomo, call Olupele, call Oluyere, call Olowo, call Elemure, call Oloba to ascertain this. But if I tell you, you won’t believe it.

“I am a man of peace. That is why the whole world loves me. Ask anybody in this local government.”

Meanwhile, the alleged suspension was part of the resolutions of the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Hon. Doyin Adebayo, at it’s sitting today in Owo.

Majority of the 11 councillors in the Legislative Council of local governments supported and approved the Council chairman’s indefinite suspension.

A resolution signed by the two-third majority of the councillors reads: “The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner.

“These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

“During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the Chairman of the Local Government Area Council.

“The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.

“The Council assures the good people of Owo Local Government Area that this suspension is necessary to ensure good governance and accountability.

“We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work towards resolving the issues at hand.

“Details of the Suspension: – Hon. Tope Omolayo is suspended with immediate effect.

“Hon. Hamed Ibrahim shall act as Chairman during the period of suspension.

“The Head of the Local Government Administration shall effect all necessary changes to bank signatories, recognizing Hon. Hamed Ibrahim as the Acting Chairman.

“All properties of the Local Government Area Council in the possession of Hon. Omolayo shall be handed over to the Head of the Local Government Administration.

“The Legislative Council remains committed to serving the people of Owo Local Government Area and assures them of our dedication to good governance and accountability.”

However, there have been protests at the local government secretariat in Owo by the workers and natives in support of the council chairman. (Daily Independent)