Nigerian-born UK Council Boss, Bayo Dosunmu, Resigns Following Shocking Drink-Driving and Drug Charges

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Posted: July 14, 2024 at 9:14 am, Updated: July 14, 2024 at 9:14 am

Nigerian-British council boss resigns after ‘drink-driving, drug possession’ charges © provided by Daily Post Nigeria

Nigerian-born UK Council Boss Resigns Following Shocking Drink-Driving and Drug Charges

Nigerian-born Bayo Dosunmu, the chief executive of Lambeth Council, has resigned from his position following charges of drink-driving and drug possession.

The 46-year-old was accused of fleeing the scene of a car crash in Westminster in late June, and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, possession of class A drugs, and driving without insurance.

Dosunmu was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, possession of class A drugs, and driving without insurance.

After his arrest, Lambeth Council announced that Dosunmu would be taking time away from work. On Wednesday, a town hall spokesman confirmed that he would officially leave his post from next week.

Fiona Connolly is currently acting as the chief executive, and the council will soon begin the process of recruiting a permanent replacement.

Dosunmu received a salary of around £185,000 a year as the boss of the Labour-run local authority, as well as extra payments for acting as the borough’s returning officer during elections.

The Met Police confirmed that Dosunmu would appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1.

The news of Dosunmu’s resignation has raised questions about the future of Lambeth Council and its leadership.

After the arrest, Lambeth Council announced that Mr. Dosunmu would be taking some time “away from work.”

However, according MSN, on Wednesday, a town hall spokesman confirmed that he would be stepping down from his £185,000-a-year post with immediate effect.

Immediate Effect

Dosunmu’s resignation will take effect from Monday, July 15, 2024, according to the official statement released by Lambeth Council.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that he was charged on June 24 and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1.

Dosunmu’s departure from the Labour-run local authority has left a vacancy for the position of returning officer during elections.

The former chief executive received extra payments for acting in this capacity, in addition to his annual salary.

Public Trust and Accountability

The charges against Dosunmu have raised concerns about the accountability of public officials.

The public has expressed its disappointment and anger over the incident, as it expects its elected officials and public servants to be role models and uphold the law.

The incident has also raised questions about the recruitment process and vetting procedures for public officials.

The public expects the council to take all necessary measures to ensure that its officials are of high moral character and have a clean record.

The resignation of Dosunmu has highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The council needs to take steps to restore public trust and confidence in its operations and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

Career Overview

Bayo Dosunmu, a British-Nigerian, was the chief executive of Lambeth Council, where he received a salary of around £185,000 a year, plus extra payments for acting as the borough’s returning officer during elections. He has resigned from his position after being charged with drink-driving and drug possession offences, as reported by MSN.

Achievements as Council Boss

During his tenure as the chief executive, Dosunmu was responsible for overseeing the delivery of council services in the borough of Lambeth.

His achievements include spearheading several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, such as the introduction of a new recycling scheme and the implementation of measures to reduce crime rates in the area.

Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Dosunmu has been involved in controversy. In 2019, he was criticized for his handling of a dispute between the council and a local community group over the use of a community centre.

The group accused the council of attempting to sell the centre to developers, while the council claimed that the group had failed to pay rent.

Dosunmu was also accused of failing to take action against a council employee who was found to have made racist remarks towards a colleague.

The employee was eventually dismissed, but it was claimed that Dosunmu had failed to act swiftly enough in response to the incident.

Despite these controversies, Dosunmu remained in his position as chief executive until his recent resignation.

Community Response

The news of Bayo Dosunmu’s resignation has sparked mixed reactions from the community. Some have expressed disappointment and shock at the allegations, while others have commended him for taking responsibility for his actions.

Many residents of Lambeth have expressed concern over the impact this could have on the council’s reputation. Some have called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the council is not compromised in any way.

Others have expressed sympathy for Mr. Dosunmu, acknowledging the pressures of his high-profile position and the challenges he may have faced.

Despite the mixed reactions, the community has come together to express their support for the council and its ongoing work to improve the lives of residents.

The council has assured the public that it remains committed to its mission and will continue to serve the community with the same level of dedication and professionalism.

The community response to Mr. Dosunmu’s resignation has been measured and respectful, reflecting the values of the community and its commitment to transparency and accountability.