*Says “Suspension Came As A Shock While On Official Trip To Washington, DC”

Mr. Olalekan Biliamin Onafeko, the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been reinstated to his position following a court order issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. The decision comes after Mr. Onafeko challenged his indefinite suspension by the Lagos State House of Assembly in a suit filed on January 13, 2025.

In a statement released today, Mr. Onafeko detailed the circumstances surrounding his suspension and subsequent reinstatement, emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law and the principles of justice.

Mr. Onafeko, who was appointed Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 14, 2022, stated that his suspension came as a shock while he was on an official trip to Washington, DC, USA, for a study tour of the United States Congress. He revealed that the suspension was announced during a sitting of the House on January 13, 2025, which was convened without proper notice to members, contrary to the Standing Orders of the House.

The motion for his indefinite suspension was moved by Hon. Olanrewaju S. Afinni, representing Lagos Island II Constituency, citing alleged financial misappropriation. However, Mr. Onafeko maintained that he was never formally notified of any investigation or query regarding the allegations prior to his suspension.

In response to his suspension, Mr. Onafeko sought legal redress, filing a suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (SUIT NO. NICN/LA/23/2025: Mr. Olalekan Biliamin Onafeko v. Lagos State Government & Ors). The court, presided over by Hon. Justice M. N. Esowe, issued a preservative order of status quo ante litem motam, effectively restoring Mr. Onafeko to his position as Clerk pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

Mr. Onafeko described the court’s decision as a victory for the rule of law and a rebuke of what he termed “legislative rascality.” He emphasized that as a civil servant, his career is governed by the Lagos State Public Service Rules (Revised 2015) and the Lagos State House of Assembly Legislative Service Commission Law, which mandate due process in disciplinary matters.

In his statement, Mr. Onafeko reiterated his commitment to maintaining political neutrality and adhering to the code of conduct for civil servants. He expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and ensuring that due process was followed.

 

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“I am grateful to God and the judiciary. The court is indeed the last hope of the common man, including the oppressed. This decision reaffirms the importance of the rule of law and the ethos of a civil society,” he said.

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