Ottun flays suspended Clerk on misrepresentation of court verdict

The Lagos State House of Assembly Acting Clerk, Mr Taiwo Abubakar Babatunde Ottun has described the recent moves by the embattled Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Biliamin Onafeko as misrepresentation of the Industrial Court of Arbitration’s judgement on his suspension by the Assembly.

In a statement signed by Ottun titled; “Public Notice Of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” dated Friday February 28, 2025, he unequivocally informed that all dealings with the suspended clerk should be stopped forthwith.

“Please be informed that at the plenary session of the Lagos State House of Assembly dated 13th January 2025, comprising thirty-three (33) members, Mr Olalekan Biliamin Onafeko,
(hereinafter refered to as the “suspended Clerk” of the House) was by a resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly suspended as the Clerk of the House of Assembly while Rt. Hon. Obasa Mudashiru was removed as Speaker.

“Mr Ottun Abubakar Taiwo Babatunde was at the same plenary appointed as the Acting Clerk of the House, pending further directives.

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“On the 15th January, 2025, the Head of Service of Lagos State in that regard issued a circular (copy attached) to inform all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Lagos State, of the
change of leadership in the Lagos State House of Assembly,” he said.

Ottun stressed that the suspended Clerk of the House has since approached the court for redress in Suit No.

NICN/LAI23/2025 against the Lagos State House of Assembly wherein he has challenged his suspension and/or removal, and the Court on February 20, 2025 made an order on an ex-parte application for parties to main tain the peace and status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on behalf of the suspended clerk.

According to him, “the suspended clerk has however, misrepresented to the public the order of court as an order for his reinstatement to the Office of Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”

He then directed all public institutions, financial institutions, contractors and the general public to ignore all directives, notices and or communications from the suspended Clerk of the House, saying that they are calculated to mislead the public and ridicule the judiciary and truncate the rule of law.

“All dealings with him in respect thereof are to be stopped forthwith until all matters in court are resolved,” he said.