Ogun State High Court has dismissed all claims filed by Wale Adedayo against Governor Dapo Abiodun, ruling that the governor was not responsible for Adedayo’s suspension as chairman of Ijebu East Local Government.
Justice Catherine Ogunsanya delivered the judgement in case HCJ/53/2025, which was instituted by Mr Adedayo challenging his suspension and alleging that Governor Abiodun directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to write a petition to the police against him due to political differences.
The court clarified that the local government operates as a separate legal entity from the governor and has its own powers to act, sue, or be sued.
Justice Ogunsanya stated that there was no evidence linking the petition or the alleged criminal charge to any instructions from Abiodun.
The judge agreed with arguements presented by the governor’s lawyers, Adekunle Manual and P.M. Sebiomo, that there was no proof the governor was behind the petition or that it was motivated by political disputes.
The court further noted that under the Local Government Law of Ogun State, only the governor has the authority to suspend a local government chairman for up to three months.
In this case, the governor never took such action.
Since Wale Adedayo’s tenure had already expired, the court held that he could not be restored to office.
Regarding claims for unpaid salaries, the court said no order could be made because Adedayo did not request them in his suit.
However, Justice Ogunsanya awarded the former chairman N30 million in general damages.
The judgement reinforces the separation of powers between local government authorities and the state governor, affirming that actions taken by local governments and their legislative councils are independent of the governor’s office.
Adedayo’s suit had centered on claims that his suspension was orchestrated due to political differences and that the petition written by the SSG contributed to his alleged victimisation.
The court’s ruling, however, found no nexus between the suspension and Dapo Abiodun, dismissing all claims against him while granting general damages to Adedayo.
