By Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure
Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, is currently 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 Ofosu ward executives stated that Adetimehin’s suspension would remain in effect pending a full investigation into the allegations against him.
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 reads in part “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.
It added “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.
“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 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, stressing that those responsible for the breach of protocol would face consequences.
