From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
The former local government chairmen sacked by Governor Seyi Makinde has approached an Oyo State High Court to garnishee the account of the Oyo State Government over the governor’s refusal to obey the Supreme Court judgement to pay all their salaries and entitlements .
The entitlement was to cover up to their last day in office.
The former chairmen had on June 15th, 2021 asked Makinde to pay their salaries and entitlements as directed by the Supreme Court in its judgment of May 7, 2021.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the chairman, Forum 68 ( forum of the immediate past LG and LCDA chairmen), Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, tasked the governor to be humble and obey the Supreme Court judgement.
On June 8, 2021, the governor asked the sacked chairmen to go back to the apex court for clarification and interpretation of the judgement.
The governor said that his administration needed further clarification regarding who should be paid salaries.
He further noted that the 68 chairpersons that went to court were not recognised under the law because the number of local councils in Oyo State, according to the constitution, is listed as 33.
“When we go to Joint Account Committee (JAC), they only pay us the money for 33 local councils. So, I believe when they file the affidavit of compliance, the Supreme Court needs to clarify whether its decision is restricted to paying only the 33.
“Once the Supreme Court makes clarification on payment, I will promptly pay,” Makinde had said.
Since the governor didn’t meet the August deadline ordered by the apex court to pay the former chairmen their salaries and entitlements, they have resolved to commence another legal battle.
Confirming the latest legal tussle in an interview a Radio programme, ‘Crossfire,’ on Sunday, Abass-Aleshinloye noted that hearing on the garnishee order which was filed by Basorun Bosun Ajuwon and others, on behalf of the former chairmen, will commece on Monday, October 4, at Oyo State High Court 6 , Ring Road, Ibadan.
The case will be presided over by Hon Justice Adegbola.
Despite the Supreme Court Judgment ,the crisis between tge firmer Council Bosses and the Oyo State Government has not abated.