The Alimosho Local Government Council in Lagos has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State House of Assembly in the Federal High Court, Abuja, claiming unlawful interference in its operations.
The council contends that the Assembly and its Speaker lack constitutional authority to oversee its activities, arguing that local governments are independent entities with their own elected legislative councils.
In the legal documents obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, the plaintiffs, led by Council Chairman Hon. Sulaimon Jelili, assert that the Assembly's actions violate the autonomy granted to local governments by recent Supreme Court rulings.
They emphasize that local governments should not be treated as subordinate agencies of the state government.
The controversy escalated when the Assembly issued a resolution on August 27, directing the Council Chairman to terminate a contract with a local contractor responsible for collecting market tolls.
The resolution further mandated the council to enter into a new contract with another individual, which the Speaker allegedly threatened would lead to suspension if not followed.
An affidavit from Dare Ogunkoya, Secretary of Alimosho Council, highlighted that constituents had expressed their opposition to this new contractor being imposed by the Assembly. He argued that such interference constitutes intimidation and an overreach of power.
The plaintiffs seek judicial confirmation that they alone hold the authority to manage local markets and that the Assembly's resolution is legally baseless. They also request a court order to prevent any suspension of their Chairman.
Dr. Abdul Mahmud, representing the plaintiffs, indicated that all parties have been served with court documents but noted that no hearing date has yet been set.
He asserted that this case could establish significant legal precedents regarding local government autonomy in Nigeria.
