The appointment of Hon Abdulhakeem Abdullateef as Special Adviser to the Speaker on the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has been terminated just hours after he declared his ambition to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2023.
Abdullateef, a former Commissioner for Home Affairs during the administration of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday launched his Iyepe Political Movement meant to be the platform on which his governorship will run.
Speaking during his official declaration at Ostra Hall, Central Business District (CBD), Alausa, Ikeja, Abdullateef, who was also former Amir Hajj of Lagos, said that his intention to contest was also a response to call by Lagosians who had been following his trajectory in public offices and found him worthy of leading the state to prosperous and enviable heights.
However, in a letter terminating his appointment and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi, dated Tuesday, September 29, the Speaker said the termination was necessary to prevent a ‘conflict of interest’.
The letter reads: “Sequel to the recent development and your expression of interest to contest election as the Governor of Lagos State, I am directed to inform you that your appointment as the Special Adviser to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Islamic Religion is hereby terminated.
“This has become necessary to prevent conflict of interests between your assigned obligations and your ambition.”
