By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State PDP chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi
“The storm is over and peace will reign supreme in Ife PDP and Osun PDP in general.
“Those external forces that want to cause implosion won’t come back. We have spoken to our people; they won’t allow any external interference again,”
The above were the words of the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State, Hon Sunday Bisi as he declared the return of peace to the party’s Ile Ife Federal Constituency chapter, and entire party in the state..
Specifically, he confirmed that the party has resolved the crisis that recently rocked its Ile Ife Federal Constituency chapter.
The resolution was at a crucial unity meeting held in Ile-Ife on Thursday.
Aimed at mending fences and reaffirming party unity after weeks of internal wrangling, the high-level reconciliation gathering, brought together major stakeholders from across the constituency.
In a show of solidarity and renewed commitment to the party’s ideals, stakeholders announced the withdrawal of an earlier vote of no confidence, affirming that the PDP in the constituency is once again united and forward-looking.
Speaking during the meeting, Bisi, acknowledged the existence of recent internal challenges but noted that such disagreements are a natural part of political life.
He said, “We are in a society; it is not possible for us to live without having this kind of thing once in a while. But we thank God that PDP has internal mechanisms through which we resolve all issues and disputes.”
He assured party members and the public that the issues had been addressed and that unity has been restored.
Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi
When asked about the possibility of a joint ticket between the Governor and the Deputy Governor in the next election, Bisi declined to comment, saying:
“You leave that one; you cross the bridge when you get to the river. When the time comes, we will tell you.”
Also addressing journalists, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, described the crisis as a “storm in a teacup”, insisting that it had been amicably resolved.
“Let us not drag this issue beyond this limit. Bygone is bygone. We have forgotten everything that happened in the past and turned over a new leaf,” he stated.
He emphasized the renewed unity within the party, likening the internal disagreements to common family misunderstandings.
“Even the tongue and the mouth have misunderstandings, but today, the whole thing has been resolved. Nobody is holding anybody for anything. PDP is united, and we are one,” he said.
It will be recalled that leaders of the PDP in Ife Federal Constituency had earlier passed a vote of no confidence on the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The party subsequently constituted a reconciliation committee comprising respected leaders such as 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 followed a leadership meeting held at the residence of the Osun East Senatorial Leader in Ile-Ife. A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, and signed by 39 key stakeholders—including Commissioners Hon. Biyi Odunlade and Hon. Dipo Eluwole—outlined a range of grievances.
Among the allegations was the claim that certain PDP figures maintained close ties with Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro, a former House of Representatives member who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite originally winning his seat 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 document further alleged that Hon. Makinde, reportedly acting on the instructions of Prof. Oladipo, invited thugs to disrupt a scheduled constituency meeting at the residence of the Deputy Governor—an action that heightened tensions within the party.
The leaders also accused the trio of victimizing PDP loyalists who had publicly distanced themselves from Ajilesoro after his defection. Individuals such as Lawrence Omotosho, Adeyinka Adeniji (a.k.a. Gbogbo Ebe), and Yakubu Olawusi were allegedly removed from their government and party positions as a result.
Another key concern raised was the prolonged suspension of regular party meetings in Ife East Local Government, which stakeholders said weakened the party’s grassroots structure.
In response to the escalating situation, the Osun State PDP leadership called for calm and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue. A statement signed by State Chairman, Sunday Bisi acknowledged the concerns raised but reiterated the importance of following due process.
The statement read, “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 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.”
Besides, the statement reaffirmed the party’s confidence in both Prince Kola Adewusi and Prof. Wale Oladipo, describing them as key pillars of the PDP in Osun State.
“Any grievances directed at these leaders must be channeled strictly through the party’s internal mechanisms—not through unilateral pronouncements or public declarations,” the party warned.
The PDP also emphasized that it would not tolerate any action that undermines its authority or contravenes its constitution.
“Our party is governed by laws, guidelines, and established processes. Every member is therefore expected to conduct themselves accordingly.”
Bisi further disclosed that reconciliation efforts would continue and that all concerned parties would be summoned for further dialogue to ensure lasting peace.
“We urge all contending forces in Ife land to sheath their swords and embrace peace, in the spirit of unity and discipline expected of us by the good people of Osun State,” he concluded.
As peace returns to the Ife Federal Constituency, party faithful are optimistic that the PDP is now better positioned to consolidate its strength and prepare for future political contests.
