Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appointed Oladipupo Oluwaloni as the Acting Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area, a decision precipitated by the extended absence of Chairman Bolatito Shobowale.
Shobowale’s absence, which spans over six months, is attributed to health issues, and despite expert interventions, her return to office has not materialized, thereby impeding council governance.
It has been learnt that the governor’s decision was also driven by a need to protect the LCDA from a looming financial crisis, precipitated by the chairman’s inability to present the 2025 budget before the council lawmakers as stipulated by law.
Additionally, investigations revealed that the documents being prepared for the presentation were prepared without the Vice Chairman’s input, and that Shobowale failed to hand over the council affairs to the Vice Chairman, instead handing them over to the Council Manager.
Sources disclosed that the governor’s intervention was recommended by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the completion of ongoing projects within the council without encountering financial challenges.
In a bid to safeguard the council’s interests, the governor, through an official letter issued by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Bolaji Roberts, to the Vice Chairman on Tuesday, directed Oluwaloni to assume office forthwith, ensuring the council’s affairs run smoothly.
The transition was facilitated by the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, with the objective of maintaining administrative stability and effective governance at the local level.
In response to his appointment, Oluwaloni conveyed profound appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the party leadership for their trust and support, vowing to serve diligently, prioritizing the welfare of Ayobo-Ipaja residents, and ensuring continuity in governance.
“This is a great responsibility, and I am fully committed to upholding the trust placed in me. My focus will be on ensuring that governance at the grassroots remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the developmental agenda of our great state,” Oluwaloni stated.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the development, expressing confidence that the new leadership will bring stability and progress to the LCDA.
With his immediate assumption of office, all eyes will be on Oluwaloni as he takes on the task of steering Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA toward enhanced service delivery and community development.
