Edo ADC crises: Odion faction suspends Oyegun, Osunbor, six others
The crises rocking the Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress got messier on April 15 as the Ken Odion led faction suspended the party National leader, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
Also suspended is a former governor of the State, Sen. Osareimen Osunbor and Sen. Ehigie Uzamare, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
Also affected by the suspension are Sen. Yisa Braimah, Hon. Nosa Ehima, Hon. Sylvester Ewanehi, Tony Alile, Jafaru Sumaila, Stella Alli, Igieogbe Asemota and Christopher Ojeikere.
The suspension, was contained in a statement issued by the Comrade Kennedy Odion-led factional State Executive Committee (EXCO) of the party.
He said their suspension was in line with provision of the constitution of the party.
According to the statement, the suspension would last for a period not exceeding three months pending the outcome of investigations by the State Disciplinary Committee.
He cited alleged acts of insubordination, anti-party activities, and conduct capable of causing disaffection within the party as reason for the suspension.
The statement further accused the affected members of engaging in unauthorized factionalisation, including the creation of parallel structures, as well as participation in unapproved groups and caucuses not recognised by the party.
The statement read in parts, “Edo State EXCO, acting pursuant to its constitutional powers, hereby approves the suspension of the affected members pending the conclusion of investigations.”
”Any member dissatisfied with the decision retains the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving the notice, adding that such appeals would be determined within 21 days by the appropriate organ of the party.”
Odigie-Oyegun dismissed claims
When contacted on the phone. He said, “it is laughable and not worth commenting on.”
However, the newly elected State chairman of the party recognized by the national leadership of the party, Tony Alile said Odion has been expelled from the party by the national vonvention.
He said, “If you monitor the National Convention, he was expelled, it was by the National Convention which is the highest organ of the party, so he does not have any power to suspend anybody.
”Up till yesterday (Tuesday ), he still remained the state chairman of the party, his tenure ends on the 12th of May and our tenure commences from midnight on the 12th of May but as it stands right now, our party affairs is in the hands of the Secretary who is Charles Imuetinyan who is the Organizing Secretary elect.
“So he (Odion) doesn’t have any rights to speak for ADC anymore or right to call any meeting in the name of ADC because the suspension is not just a mere television charade, it is a declaration from the National Convention.
