In a significant administrative development within Saki West Local Government, renowned legal practitioner Barrister S. A. Lateef, the Principal Counsel at S. A. Lateef & Co., Onijo Chambers, has formally resigned from his position as the official Legal Retainer to the council.
The announcement was conveyed through a meticulously detailed resignation letter dated 4th December 2025 and made available to Korrectnews Correspondent, which has been officially acknowledged by the Local Government Registry.
The resignation marks the end of a longstanding professional relationship between Lateef and Saki West Local Government, a collaboration that had spanned years of legal advisory, representation in complex litigations, and critical institutional support to the council’s administrative framework.
In his letter, Lateef informed the Chairman of Saki West Local Government that his decision to step down was the product of “thoughtful consideration” and an honest assessment of his growing commitments beyond local government service.
According to him, his increasing professional engagements, many of which now demand his undivided attention have made it “increasingly difficult” to continue offering the level of diligence and devotion required by the office of Legal Retainer.
He emphasized that his withdrawal was not motivated by conflict, dissatisfaction, or administrative friction, but was rather a responsible step to ensure that both the council and the legal system benefit from counsel who can devote the full attention such matters deserve.
Lateef used the letter to express deep gratitude to the Saki West Local Government leadership for the opportunity to serve.
He acknowledged that serving as the Legal Retainer granted him the platform to contribute to strengthening the council’s legal procedures, managing high-priority disputes, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, enhancing the integrity of public-facing litigations.
He described the engagement as a “privilege,” noting that the partnership exposed him to valuable institutional experience and a rich interaction with the legal needs of the local governance structure.
In strict compliance with legal ethics and best practices, Lateef delivered a complete handover of seven ongoing cases for which Saki West Local Government remains a party. The cases, already at various judicial stages, extend across the High Court of Justice (Saki Division) and the Court of Appeal (Ibadan Division).
Despite the resignation, Lateef concluded his letter on a positive note, conveying his “highest regards” and reaffirming his goodwill and support for the administration of Saki West Local Government.
