Oyo PDP expels Adedibu, Adeojo
From Iyabo Sotunde,
Ibadan
T HE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State worsened yesterday as its executive announced the expulsion of Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu and former National Deputy Chairman (South), Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo.
But Adedibu, in a swift reaction described his purported expulsion as a joke, saying nobody can send him away from the PDP.
Speaking at an enlarged caucus meeting attended by PDP leaders from the 33 local councils in the state, including Governor Rashidi Ladoja, his deputy, Chief Bayo Alao Akala, former Minister for Special Duties, Chief Wole Oyelese, Senator Brimmo Yusuf and Senator Ayantayo Ayandele among others, the party's chairman, Chief Michael Adegbite, lamented the lingering crisis and attitude of Adedibu and his supporters, particularly last Monday's violence at the Premier Hotel, venue of a peace parley.
He Said: "Since this present government came into place, it has been a scenario of successive socio-political crises. I have answered several queries from Abuja on the fall of Awo's statute in Government House; on the fight at NUJ Centre, on the impeachment bid against our governor, on rumours of uncivilised political outings characterised by thuggery, shooting and looting, on arson, destruction of property in private homes and on the state of affairs within the leadership of the party in the state. It has, all the while, been a period of joy and sorrow - joy for having PDP government and sorrow for not having peace."
The enlarged meeting at the party secretariat was held amidst tight security. A combination of police and men of the State Security Service led by their deputy director were on hand to maintain law and other.
Adegbite said the time had come for party leaders who are stakeholders to map out a way forward and clear the doubt that the PDP was bigger than any individual or group.
In their separate comments, the leaders including Oyelese, Dr. Dejo Raimi Yusuff and representatives of the Hausa community, condemned the actions of Adedibu and called for his expulsion from the party.
According to Oyelese, Adedibu cannot continue to hold the party to ransom, stressing that for peace to reign in the Oyo PDP and for it to move forward, there was a need to expel troublemakers.
He words: "We all contributed to the success of the PDP, let Adedibu leave us alone; we do not want him and Adeojo in the party. They are destroying the good works of Governor Ladoja. This party belongs to the people, let us find a lasting solution to the crisis by removing troublemakers."
After exhaustive deliberations, Oyelese moved the motion for Adedibu's expulsion which was seconded by Chief Joshua Adetoro from Oke-Ogun. Dr. Raimi moved the motion that Adeojo should be expelled which was unanimously accepted by the well attended meeting.
Ladoja said Adedibu's activities have not distracted his administration from meeting the people's expectations.
He, however, read the riot act to troublemakers, warning that henceforth, anyone caught fomenting trouble or breaking down law and order would be dealt with.
He said: "PDP does not belong to anyone. It is a political party and we all worked for its success at the last elections. At the Abuja meeting, we all agreed to work for the progress of the party but when we got back home, it was a different ball game.
"Two people cannot hold the party to ransom. Since Alhaji Adedibu has failed to tow the line of peace, the best thing is for him to leave the party. He came to meet us in PDP and we cannot leave the party for him."
The governor who said the party leadership in Abuja was aware of the enlarged caucus meeting, added that their resolution would be communicated to them as soon as possible.
In the statement read at the end of the meeting by Senator Yusuff, it was resolved that following the breakdown of the peace process and the violence that erupted on the night of the reconciliatory talks, coupled with the intimidation of the general public by some party leaders, Adedibu and Adeojo are expelled from the party forthwith.
Besides, it directed the party executive to investigate similar cases in other local councils and take appropriate disciplinary actions.
The forum also accepted Ladoja as the leader of the party in the state and passed a vote of confidence on the Adegbite-led executive.
But in his reaction, Adedibu described the meeting as a ruse and said: "I cannot join issues with them."
Adedibu in a chat with The Guardian at his Molete residence said: "I have no reaction. Who are they to invite me to a meeting or expel me from the party Has it ever happened I cannot join issues with them. Whoever is joining issues with a fool is also one."
According to him, there are party guidelines and constitutional provisions to follow before a member can be sanctioned, adding: "The question is who will bell the cat Can they stand it"
On the breakdown of the peace process, Adedibu said:" We are for peace. It is Ladoja and his men who are not for peace. If you get near him you will know."
