Ondo: Ilaje LG Councilors Direct Chairman To Proceed On Suspension

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Goke Jatuwase, has been caught by the web of anti party activities and suspension clamped on him by the Legislative arm of the council.

Although, the chairman was accused of alleged gross misconduct and indiscipline among others, sources reveal some underlying politics.

The Councilors, in a letter on Thursday, passed vote of no confidence on Jatuwase,and ordered his immediate suspension.

They claimed that the Chairman was suspended to allow the Legislative Council carry out investigation of monetary documents, as allocated to the Ilaje Local Government in terms of Adhoc fund and internally generated revenue.

This is even as the embattled Chairman was asked to transmit power to his Vice Chairman, Mebino Obele, pending the outcome of the Investigation.

The letter titled, “Notice Of Vote Of No Confidence And Immediate Suspension Of The Executive Chairman , Ilaje Local Government (Hon. Goke Jatuwase)”, was signed by eleven Councilors.

The suspension letter reads, “Rising from a plenary session held on the 25th January, 2023, the Ilaje Local Government Legislative Council has passed vote of no confidence and immediate suspension of the Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Goke Jatuwase indefinitely after a motion was moved and seconded on the floor of the house.

“Your reason for suspension is to allow Ilaje Local Government Legislative Council carry out investigation of monetary documents as allocated to the llaje Local Government in terms of monthly adhoc fund and the internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Ilaje local government for the last two years.

“Equally your reason for suspension is directly related to the following as compounding abuse of power.

“Gross misconduct and indiscipline, High level of incompetence and callousness, a total disregard for democratic principles and the yearning of the teaming population of Ilaje Local Government.

“Lack of transparency in the management of fund for the last two years. Mr. Chairman, be informed that your suspension takes immediate effect.

“Therefore you are hereby totally prevented from performing any role of whatsoever of the Executive Chairman, llaje Local Government.

“Hence you are required to, with immediate effect, transfer power to the Vice Chairman “Hon. Mebino Dickson Obele.”

It was gathered that the romance of the chairman with a candidate of opposition party was major reason for his suspension.