The suspension comes in response to an interim injunction granted by the Akure High Court, presided over by Justice Yemi Fasanmi.
The court order, sought by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aimed to prevent the late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from inaugurating individuals not democratically elected as members of caretaker committees for administering the local councils and LCDAs until the resolution of the interlocutory injunction in this suit.
Justice Fasanmi subsequently prohibited the caretaker chairmen from carrying out their duties, arguing that they were sworn in before the court order was issued.
The governor's decision to suspend them is outlined in a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by Alonge Adewale.
The letter read: “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that despite the suspension of all recently appointed Caretaker Committee members for Local Government (LGAS) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state by a Court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in that posts.
“Consequently, I have been directed to request the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility as head of their respective Local Government Areas/ LCDAs in acting capacity pending the resolution of all legal matters relating to this subject.”
The letter asked the suspended caretaker chairmen to submit, without delay, all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs.
However, in a swift response, one of the caretaker chairmen said they had earlier secured a stay of execution against the court order.
Speaking with newsmen in confidence, the chairman, said they would pursue the matter to the Supreme Court.
According to him, “We were shocked that Aiyedatiwa refused to obey the order for a stay of execution. But that’s not the end of the matter; we would ensure that justice was done in this matter.
