Nigerian-born UK council boss resigns after drink-driving, drug charges

Nigerian-born Bayo Dosunmu, Lambeth Council’s chief executive, has quit after being charged with drink-driving and drug possession offences.

Dosunmu is accused of fleeing the scene of a car crash in Westminster at the end of June.

The 46-year-old from Hammersmith 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.

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

On Wednesday, a town hall spokesman confirmed that he will officially leave the £185,000-a-year post from next week.

“Bayo Dosunmu has stepped down as chief executive of Lambeth Council with effect from Monday, July 15, 2024,” a spokesman said.

“Fiona Connolly is currently acting chief executive, and the council will shortly begin the process to recruit a permanent chief executive.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Bayo Dosunmu, 46, of Hammersmith, was arrested on Sunday, June 23, in the Westminster area. He was charged on Monday, June 24. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1.”

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

He was appointed Lambeth’s chief executive in 2022, having previously served as the borough’s deputy chief and strategic director for resident services.