Former Lambeth Council Chief Executive Disqualified from Driving and Ordered to Complete Unpaid Work
Bayo Dosunmu, the former chief executive of Lambeth Council, has been handed a two-year driving ban and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to charges of drink driving, failing to stop after a car crash, and driving without insurance. The sentencing was delivered at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 16, where Dosunmu, 46, was also required to pay court costs of £225. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring instructed Dosunmu to participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activity as part of his sentence.
Dosunmu’s legal troubles stemmed from an incident on June 23, when he was driving a white Jeep that collided with a blue Toyota at a junction in South London. Following the crash, Dosunmu failed to stop, prompting the driver of the Toyota to pursue him until he eventually pulled over. Police officers arrived at the scene and observed Dosunmu exhibiting signs of intoxication, leading to a breathalyzer test that revealed a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit at 100 mg per 100ml of breath.
At a court appearance in August, Dosunmu admitted to the charges of drink driving, failing to stop after a car crash, and driving without insurance. However, he pleaded not guilty to the possession of cocaine, a charge for which he is scheduled to stand trial at Isleworth Crown Court in West London in September 2025.
Despite expressing genuine remorse, Dosunmu faced the consequences of his actions as Chief Magistrate Goldspring acknowledged that he had consumed more alcohol than he initially disclosed. Goldspring noted Dosunmu’s previously unblemished character and the significant impact the incident had on his career, resulting in the loss of his £190,000 per year position at Lambeth Council, where he had assumed the role of chief executive in April 2022.
Since his departure, Fiona Connolly, the council’s corporate director of housing and adult social care, has been serving as the acting chief executive. The council is actively seeking a replacement for Dosunmu and anticipates finalizing the recruitment process by the year’s end.
Public Fallout and Personal Consequences
The repercussions of Dosunmu’s actions extended beyond his legal penalties, impacting both his professional standing and personal life. Following his dismissal from Lambeth Council, Dosunmu found himself in a position of financial instability, relying on the support of friends and family for assistance. The once-prominent figure in public service now faces a tarnished reputation and the daunting task of rebuilding his life in the aftermath of his legal troubles.
Dosunmu’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale for individuals in positions of authority, highlighting the swift and severe consequences that can accompany lapses in judgment. As a public figure entrusted with overseeing the operations of a local government body, Dosunmu’s actions not only violated the law but also betrayed the public trust, leading to his downfall and subsequent legal woes.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In the wake of Dosunmu’s legal troubles, Lambeth Council has taken steps to address the vacancy left by his departure and ensure continuity in its leadership. The council’s recruitment efforts to fill the chief executive position underscore the importance of selecting candidates with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the law.
Dosunmu’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of personal responsibility, especially for individuals in positions of influence and authority. By holding individuals like Dosunmu accountable for their actions, the legal system reinforces the principles of justice and upholds the rule of law, sending a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or position.
As Dosunmu navigates the aftermath of his legal troubles and works towards rebuilding his life, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for others in positions of authority, emphasizing the need for accountability, integrity, and respect for the law. While Dosunmu’s fall from grace may have been swift and severe, it also serves as an opportunity for reflection, growth, and redemption as he seeks to move forward from this chapter in his life.