After 17 Years, Barr. Onijo Resigns as Legal Retainer to Saki West LG
.. hands over 7 dossier of pending litigations
In a notable administrative development within Saki West Local Government, the principal counsel at S. A. Lateef & Co., Onijo Chambers, Barrister S. A. Lateef, has formally resigned as the council’s official Legal Retainer.
The resignation, conveyed in a detailed letter dated 4 December 2025 and released to _MOUTHPIECE NGR_ on Thursday, was officially acknowledged by the Local Government Registry.
According to the letter, Lateef’s decision follows careful reflection and an assessment of his growing professional commitments, which now demand his full attention.
He explained that these increased responsibilities make it “increasingly difficult” to provide the level of diligence required of the Legal Retainer role.
The legal luminary emphasized that his withdrawal is not driven by conflict, dissatisfaction, or administrative friction, but is a responsible step to ensure the council receives counsel who can devote the necessary attention to its legal matters.
Lateef expressed deep gratitude to the Saki West Local Government leadership for the opportunity to serve. He noted that the role allowed him to strengthen the council’s legal procedures, manage high‑priority disputes, ensure compliance with statutory obligations, and enhance the integrity of public‑facing litigations.
Describing the engagement as a “privilege,” he said it provided valuable institutional experience and insight into the legal needs of local governance.
However, in strict adherence to legal ethics, Lateef delivered a complete handover of seven ongoing cases in which Saki West Local Government is a party.
The cases, at various stages in the High Court of Justice (Saki Division) and the Court of Appeal (Ibadan Division), have been fully documented.
Concluding his letter on a positive note, Lateef conveyed his “highest regards” and reaffirmed his goodwill and continued support for the administration of Saki West Local Government.