- Party sues for calm, says status quo remains
By John Dike, Osogbo
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ife Federal Constituency have passed a vote of no confidence on Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, over alleged anti-party activities.
Others named in the resolution include Prof. Wale Oladipo, a former National Secretary of the party, and Hon. Olasunkanmi Makinde, Chairman of the PDP in Ife East Local Government.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of a leadership meeting held at the residence of the Osun East Senatorial Leader in Ile-Ife.
The document was signed by 39 key party stakeholders, including serving commissioners Hon. Biyi Odunlade and Hon. Dipo Eluwole.
The aggrieved party leaders accused the three top PDP figures of maintaining close ties with Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro, a House of Representatives member who recently defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being elected on the PDP platform.
“The party is dissatisfied with the actions and conduct of Hon. Bimbo Ajilesoro, who defected from the PDP despite securing his mandate through the party,” the communiqué stated.
The statement further alleged that Hon. Makinde, acting on the instructions of Prof. Oladipo, invited thugs to disrupt a scheduled constituency meeting, which was originally to be held at the residence of the Deputy Governor. This, the leaders claim, escalated tensions within the party in the area.
The communiqué also accused the trio of victimising PDP loyalists who publicly distanced themselves from Ajilesoro after his defection. Allegedly, individuals such as Lawrence Omotosho, Adeyinka Adeniji (a.k.a. Gbogbo Ebe), and Yakubu Olawusi were removed from their government and party positions as a result.
The leaders expressed concern over the suspension of regular party meetings in Ife East Local Government, claiming that such inaction had weakened the party’s structure and activities in the area.
In response to the development, the Osun State Chapter of the PDP has called for calm and urged all stakeholders in Ife Federal Constituency to suspend further action and embrace peaceful dialogue.
In a statement issued by the State Party Chairman, Mr. Sunday Bisi, the party leadership acknowledged the concerns raised but emphasized the importance of following internal conflict resolution procedures.
“Our attention has been drawn to a communiqué issued by some stakeholders in Ife Federal Constituency wherein a vote of no confidence was purportedly passed on highly respected leaders of our great party,” the statement read.
“The party directs all members and stakeholders to immediately suspend further actions capable of escalating the situation. All concerned are hereby instructed to maintain the status quo in line with the conflict resolution mechanisms of our party.”
The state PDP reiterated its respect and confidence in the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, and Prof. Wale Oladipo, whom it described as critical pillars of the party.
“Any grievances directed at these leaders must be channeled strictly through the party’s internal mechanisms, not through unilateral pronouncements or public declarations.”
The statement also warned that the party would not tolerate any action that undermines its authority or violates its constitution and procedures.
“Our party is governed by laws, guidelines, and established processes. Every member is therefore expected to conduct themselves accordingly.”
Mr. Bisi disclosed that the state party leadership is taking immediate steps to summon all concerned stakeholders to a reconciliation meeting aimed at resolving the matter amicably.
“We urge all contending forces in Ifeland to sheath their swords and embrace peace, in the spirit of unity and discipline expected of us by the good people of Osun State,” the statement concluded.
