There is ensuing drama in the ruling All Progressive Congress in Ondo State, as a group of aggrieved youths recently stormed the Ondo state secretariat of the party in Akure, the state capital, calling for the resignation of the state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin.
The group premised their request on a letter of suspension that was signed by the ward chairman, Olabisi Adepegba, as well as 14 other members of the Excos.
In front of the party’s new State Secretariat in Akure, the demonstrators set up palm leaves and a white coffin bearing the words “Adetimehin Must Go.”
The young people were reportedly upset with Adetimehin for allegedly advocating for military action in Nigeria.
The party chairman’s phone line was turned off, so he was unreachable as at the time of filing this report.
Following its emergency meeting, the APC Executive Council members in Ofosu Ward, Idanre Local Government, suspended Adetimehin from the party for egregious misbehaviour and reportedly making statements that could cause chaos.
Olabisi Adepegba, the ward chairman, and fourteen other members of the Exco, including Secretary Olanrewaju Akinnuoye and Vice Chairman Olabisi Oyewole, signed the letter of suspension.
In a statement on the subject, Steve Otaloro, the APC’s Director of Publicity in Ondo State, however, denied the call for Adetimehin to resign.
“We want to make it clear that this action not only violates the constitution, but it also goes against the fairness and due process principles that our party supports,” he said.
Otaloro contended that the request for suspension was unjustified because the necessary procedures were not followed in this particular case.
“The decision made by the Ofosu ward Exco of Idanre Local Government is inconsistent with the provisions of our party’s constitution and is, therefore, null and void. The reasons cited for this suspension lack substance and detail, suggesting that the actions taken may stem from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about leadership,” he said.
Otaloro insisted that Adetimehin is still the chairman of the APC in Ondo state.
“We want to reiterate that Engr. Ade Adetimehin remains the rightful chairman of the APC in Ondo State. His leadership is crucial as we prepare for the upcoming local government elections, where we are committed to achieving victory for our party. We will not allow distractions from individuals with ulterior motives to deter us from our goals.”
He sued for peace in the party, promising that those responsible for the breach of protocol will be reprimanded.
“We urge our loyal party members in Idanre LG to refrain from any retaliatory actions against the members of the Ofosu Exco involved in this illegitimate suspension. Rest assured, those responsible for this breach of protocol will face appropriate consequences at the right time. For now, our priority is to focus on campaigning and ensuring a successful LG election.”
