The Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended four local government chairmen following allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct involving the administration of council funds.

The decision was made during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi. The Assembly also confirmed that a formal investigation into the allegations against the council chairmen had commenced.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, disclosed the development while speaking with Western Mirror on Wednesday.

Adedoyin explained that the Assembly acted on petitions submitted against the four council chairmen, which raised concerns about the handling of local government finances and alleged abuse of official positions.

He said the House had directed the relevant committee to investigate the complaints and submit its findings within seven days.

The affected chairmen are Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi of Ogbomoso South, Hon. Olateju Michael Alabi of Oriire, Hon. Adegbite Isaiah of Surulere and Hon. Muritala Abiodun Oyewumi of Iwajowa Local Government Areas.

Providing further details, Olajide said the Assembly was exercising its constitutional responsibility by examining the allegations rather than reaching conclusions without a proper investigation.

He referenced Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the legislature to investigate matters within its jurisdiction.

The committee chairman disclosed that letters had been sent to the affected council chairmen, requesting their appearance before the committee on Tuesday to address the allegations levelled against them.

He added that the committee would consider their responses, complete its investigations and forward its recommendations to the House within the one-week timeframe.

Olajide assured that the process would be conducted in accordance with established procedures, without regard to the political affiliations or identities of the individuals involved.

He maintained that the Assembly was obligated to examine any properly submitted petition and establish the facts before determining the appropriate legislative action.

The final position of the House, he said, would be guided by the committee’s findings and recommendations following the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the 2027 finance and appropriation bill scaled through the first and second reading on the floor of the house.