A group of aggrieved youths on Saturday stormed the Ondo state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, the state capital, calling for the resignation of the chairman of the party in the state, Ade Adetimehin.
The protesters placed palm fronds and a white coffin with the phrase “Adetimehin Must Go” on it in front of the new State Secretariat of the party in Akure.
It was gathered that the youths were angry with Adetimehin because he was alleged to have called for military intervention in Nigeria.
The party chairman could not be reached to get his reaction to the allegation and call for his resignation as his phone line was switched off.
In a related development, the Executive Council members of the APC in Ofosu Ward in Idanre Local Government after its emergency meeting suspended Adetimehin from the party, for gross misconduct and allegedly releasing statements that could lead to anarchy.
The letter of suspension was signed by the ward Chairman, Olabisi Adepegba, as well as 14 other members of the Exco, including the Vice Chairman, Olabisi Oyewole and Secretary, Olanrewaju Akinnuoye.
However, the Director of Publicity of APC in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, in a statement on the matter rejected the demand for the resignation of Adetimehin.
He said, “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.”
Otaloro argued that the essential processes were not followed in the instance, rendering the call for suspension invalid.
“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.”
