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The Ekiti state governor, Segun Oni, has suspended
the chairman of Emure Local Government Area, Sesan Aruwaji, over
alleged financial impropriety.

A statement by the secretary to the state
government, Dare Bejide, on Thursday said the suspension was to pave
way for a thorough investigation into the allegations levelled against
Mr Aruwaji. The statement also says that the vice-chairman has been
directed to take over the administration of the local government.

Mr. Aruwaji was elected chairman in December 2008 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The state’s House of Assembly had, two weeks ago
in a resolution, advised the governor to suspend Mr. Aruwaji for three
months because of its ongoing investigation into the alleged financial
impropriety. The House constituted a committee in May, headed by Deputy
Speaker Saliu Adeoti, to investigate the financial allegations brought
against Mr. Aruwaji in a petition filed by some councillors.

While, submitting its interim report to the
Assembly two days ago, the committee accused Mr. Aruwaji of wrong doing
and recommended his suspension. It also recommended that some principal
administrative officers in the council be transferred to the local
government service commission office in Ado-Ekiti.

Public support

Meanwhile on May 20, a traditional ruler, the
Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, also accused Mr. Aruaji,
of being the brain behind a series of violent attacks in the community.
The chief, who spoke at a press conference addressed by the
Emure-in-Council, said that the council boss was behind the crises in
the town. Some of the indigenes of the town however described Mr.
Aruwaji’s suspension as a feat that is long overdue. According to them,
he has been running the affairs of the local government like a personal
business, which he never thought could be checked by anybody.

Toyin Adefemi, a PDP member who said he was abandoned after he had
worked for the chairman to ensure his victory at the poll, said: “the
vice-chairman should also be warned now that he is in charge. The fact
that Aruwaji is no more there does not mean he cannot still misbehave,
but they should just tell us what exactly he has done and if he stole
any money and needs to refund, let him do so.”