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, in developments that have heightened concerns over the political atmosphere ahead of the December local government election.
The latest development came 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 followed a similar action taken on Monday against the Chairman of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Olateju Michael Alabi, who was suspended by eight councillors at a sitting presided over by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Adeniran Issa.
The back-to-back suspensions have sparked political discussions across the Ogbomoso zone, with observers questioning the timing of the decisions and their possible implications for the forthcoming local government election.
In Surulere, nine councillors reportedly unanimously adopted the resolution to suspend Adegbite at 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 acts of 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 constitutional steps towards the chairman’s removal, while recommending that the matter be referred to the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency for investigation and possible prosecution.
The allegations against Adegbite have not been independently established, and the suspended chairman’s response was unavailable as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in Ogbomoso North has also been unsettled by the APM’s suspension of its local government chairman, Sikiru Jimoh, alongside other party members 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 suspension 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 disciplinary measure, the party said, was intended to strengthen internal discipline and prevent further disagreements within its Ogbomoso North chapter.
Although the local government suspensions and the APM disciplinary action are separate developments, their proximity has intensified political conversations in the zone, particularly as political parties and stakeholders prepare for the December polls.
A political analyst, commenting on the developments, described the situation as politically charged and suggested that the timing of the suspensions could be linked to the intensifying struggle for political influence ahead of the election.
However, the circumstances surrounding the suspensions remain subject to further clarification, and 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, with questions emerging over the implications for local governance, party cohesion and the conduct of the forthcoming December election.
