Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Oladipupo Oluwaloni as the Acting Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), a decision that followed the prolonged absence of the substantive chairman, Bolatito Shobowale.
As gathered, Shobowale had been away from office for over six months on medical grounds and efforts to get her fit enough to resume office have not yielded the desired results. The situation had caused anxiety across the council in the past months. According to sources, the governor has been reluctant to take the decision to announce a replacement for the ailing council boss. Shobowale also never handed over power to her deputy, rather handed the council affairs to the Council-Manager.
The decision by the governor, as learnt, was also taken to save the LCDA from being enmeshed in a financial crisis that was already brewing over the inability of the chairman to present the 2025 budget before the council lawmakers as stipulated by law.
Sources further revealed that the intervention by the governor was recommended by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure ongoing projects within the council were completed without experiencing financial difficulties.
The governor, in 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 immediately to ensure the smooth running of the council’s affairs.
Reacting to his appointment, Oluwaloni expressed deep appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the party leadership for their trust and support. He pledged to serve diligently, prioritizing the welfare of Ayobo-Ipaja residents and ensuring continuity in governance.