…as Idanre home exco members sign up for his suspension

• APC State Exco reacts, describes action illegal
• Aggrieved party youths place coffin at Party secretariat

By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

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Indications showed at the weekend that the Ondo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ade Adetimehin, is under the heat, as the party leaders in his home ward of Idanre local council area signed up for his suspension, while some aggrieved party youths are asking him to quit.

Rising from an emergency meeting, the executive members of the party in Ofosu Ward of Idanre Local Government on Saturday issued a statement, suspending him from the party, “for gross misconduct and for making a statement that can cause anarchy”.

This is just as some of the youth in the party also on Saturday staged a protest at the state’s party Secretariat, demanding the sack of Adetimehin as Ondo APC Chairman.

The protesters later left a mock coffin at the party Secretariat.

But in a swift reaction, the party in the state, through its Director, Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, declared the actions of both the Ofosu ward and the protesting youths as illegal and inconsistent with the APC constitution.

The Ofosu ward Executives, however, stated that Adetimehin’s suspension would remain in effect pending a full investigation into the allegations against the embattled APC state Chairman.

In a statement signed by key ward officials, the executives reaffirmed their commitment to peace, discipline, and the unity of the party.

The ward officials who signed the statement included Adepegba Olabisi – Chairman; Oyewole Olabisi – Vice Chairman; Akinnuoye Olarewaju – Secretary; Akinlala Abiodun – Legal Adviser, Akinmodun Isaac – Treasurer; Dairo Gbenga – Financial Secretary; Olanoye Clement – Organising Secretary; Agboola Benson – Public Relations Officer; Akinsanmi Marcus – Welfare Officer; Aderiri Funke – Auditor; Olayanju Rasheedat – Woman Leader; Adebayo Balogun – Youth Leader; Akinrolayo Abike – Ex-Officio; Abimbola Isaac – Ex-Officio; Segun Akinkuowo – Ex-Officio.

They urged members to remain calm while the situation was being addressed.

Meanwhile, tension rose at the APC’s new state secretariat in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as protesters shut down the facility.

The protesters barricaded the entrance with traditional objects, including a palm frond, a dead dog, and a white coffin inscribed with the words, “Adetimehin Must Go.”

The unsettling display at the secretariat, located along FUTA Road in Akure, was described as a ritualistic embargo on the building.

Our correspondent observed the objects, including the elaborately designed coffin, while security operatives guarded the premises.

It was alleged that aggrieved youths within the party were behind the action, demanding Adetimehin’s immediate removal.

The protest reportedly stemmed from accusations that the chairman called for a military intervention.

Speaking at the scene, the APC’s pioneer state youth leader, Barr. Babalayo Olutayo, criticised Adetimehin’s leadership, listing alleged misdeeds that he claimed now necessitated the chairman’s resignation.

Reacting to the situation, the APC’s Ondo State Chapter, through a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, dismissed the suspension as invalid.

The statement read: “The APC Ondo State Chapter has taken note of the recent announcement regarding the purported suspension of Engr. Ade Adetimehin, our esteemed party chairman in Ondo State. We wish to clarify that this action is not only constitutionally flawed but also undermines the principles of fairness and due process that our party upholds.”

It emphasised that the party’s constitution provides clear procedures for suspension, including offering the accused an opportunity to defend themselves before a designated committee.

The statement further noted that these processes were not adhered to, rendering the suspension null and void.

“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,” it added.

The party reiterated its support for Adetimehin, describing his leadership as essential for their success in the upcoming local government elections.

It also warned members against retaliatory actions, assuring them that those responsible for the breach of protocol would face consequences.

“We will not allow distractions from individuals with ulterior motives to deter us from our goals. Together, we will continue to work towards the progress and success of our party,” the statement concluded.