JUST IN: Edo ADC Faction Suspends Oyegun, Others Over Anti-Party Activities

A fresh crisis has hit the Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a faction of the party announced the suspension of key figures, including national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun.

The decision, which was made public on Wednesday, also affects former Edo State governor, Osareimen Osunbor, and party chieftain Ehigie Uzamare.

The trio were accused of engaging in activities considered harmful to the unity and structure of the party.

Other members affected by the suspension include Yisa Braimah, Nosa Ehima, Sylvester Ewanehi, Tony Alile, Jafaru Sumaila, Stella Alli, Igieogbe Asemota and Christopher Ojeikere.

The action was contained in a statement issued by the factional State Executive Committee led by Comrade Kennedy Odion. The group said the move followed provisions of the party’s constitution, citing multiple articles that empower the leadership to discipline erring members.

According to the statement, the suspension will last for a period not exceeding three months. It is expected to remain in force pending the outcome of an investigation by the state disciplinary committee.

The faction accused the affected members of acts of insubordination and anti-party conduct. It also alleged that they were involved in actions capable of creating division within the party.

Part of the statement read, “Edo State exco, acting pursuant to its constitutional powers, hereby approves the suspension of the affected members pending the conclusion of investigations.”

It added that, “Any member dissatisfied with the decision retains the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving the notice, as such appeals would be determined within 21 days by the appropriate organ of the party.”

The crisis appears to have deepened internal divisions within the party, especially with claims of parallel leadership structures emerging from both sides.

Reacting to the development, Odigie-Oyegun dismissed the suspension outright. He described the move as baseless and unworthy of serious attention, stating, “It is laughable and not worth commenting on.”

However, the situation took another turn as the newly elected state chairman of the party, Tony Alile, aligned with the leadership of David Mark, rejected the legitimacy of the faction behind the suspension.

Alile insisted that Kennedy Odion had already been expelled by the party’s national convention, which he described as the highest decision-making body of the ADC.

He said, “If you monitor the national convention, he was expelled. His expulsion was by the national convention, which is the highest organ of the party, so he does not have any power to suspend anybody.”

He further clarified that Odion’s tenure as state chairman was set to end on May 12, adding that the transition process was already underway.

According to him, the party’s affairs are currently being handled by the state secretary, Charles Imuetinyan, pending the full takeover by the new leadership.

Alile maintained that Odion no longer has the authority to act on behalf of the party or convene meetings in its name, describing the suspension as invalid and without legal backing.