Local government chairmen who were sacked by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State under the umbrella of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) have declared that they remained in office by the provision of the law of the land.
They made this declaration via a statement signed by ALGON Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, a copy of which was made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Makinde had in May shortly after his inauguration asked the Chairmen who were elected during the administration of the immediate past Governor, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi to hand over the property of their respective councils to the most senior officers in the areas.
ALGON led by Abass-Aleshinloye approached a court of law with an argument that they were illegally sacked.
Abass-Aleshiloye and Secretary of the association, Pastor Jesutoye Oluyinka had on Monday warned the newly inaugurated Local Council chairmen in the state against engaging in any transaction on behalf of their respective councils.
In the letter addressed to the chairman, bankers to local government councils and Local Council Development Authority (LCDAs), Heads of Local Government Administration and staff, ALGON said it decided to issue the warning in order not to be complicit in the illegal actions because of the repercussions.
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But, the ALGON Chairman in a new year message to the people of the state, insisted that they still remained in office by the provision of the law which they said was supreme.
Abass-Aleshiloye said, “Oyo ALGON admonishes the people of the state to remain united and appreciate God for giving us a beautiful state endowed with enormous resources and boundless opportunities.
“As we usher in the year 2020, it is time for us to reflect on the last twelve months and to look forward to new beginnings. As a people we appreciate God for giving us a beautiful state endowed with enormous resources and boundless opportunities.
“Yes, 2019 was quite challenging to most of us , particularly on the rape on our democracy(at the grassroots level) on the purported dissolution of the local government council and local council areas but we remain grateful to God for helping us to weather the storm and keeping us to see yet another year.
“The path to the future is replete with challenges, but we remain resolute, we would overcome the challenges of today with the same resilience and indomitable spirits that have continued to inspire us throughout history.
“We stand fast on our mandate freely and fairly given by the good people of our respective local government and development areas, and undertake to remain peaceful even in the face of extreme threats and provocation by the Government of Oyo State. We remain in office by law and the law is supreme.
“We reaffirm our confidence in the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary to uphold the Supreme Court and the Oyo State High Court subsisting judgement against illegal dissolution of Councils.
“In conclusion, the good news is that we have taken off already on this journey of hope, and with God helping us, we shall surely succeed. I wish you a happy and bountiful New Year and pray for God’s peace on you and your family.”
”Happy New Year to all good people of Oyo State and Nigeria. May 2020 bring us fruitful and more bountiful harvest beyond our expectations”.
