….Party Moves to Rebuild Structures Ahead of State Congress
…Local Government Leadership Restored to Pre-Crisis Status
…State Media Team Suspended for Reorganisation
The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced a major internal restructuring following a series of leadership decisions announced by State Chairman, Otunba Dr Femi Soluade.
In a press statement made available to journalists, Soluade announced the suspension of Mr Jimi Adebola Lawal, a former aide to Nasir El‑Rufai, declaring him a non-member over alleged anti-party activities.
The chairman alleged that Lawal attempted to dominate party structures through what he described as the systematic acquisition of two Local Government structures and the dismantling of existing state and local leadership frameworks.
Soluade further disclosed that Local Government party structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu, allegedly affected during the crisis, have been returned to their original leadership status to restore internal balance and inclusiveness.
He added that further attempts to take control of party structures at state or local levels have been halted in order to protect internal democracy and ensure equal participation across tendencies within the party coalition.
The State Chairman also confirmed the appointment of a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant State Executive and Local Government chairmanship positions across the state.
According to him, the move is aimed at stabilising party structures and ensuring continuity of operations ahead of the forthcoming state congress, the date of which has not yet been announced.
He explained that existing interim Local Government and Ward executives would continue to function alongside Membership Mobilisation, Revalidation and Registration structures coordinated by Hon Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon Mrs Yemi Layeni.
Soluade said the collaboration is expected to ensure seamless membership documentation and strengthen grassroots participation ahead of the congress.
The chairman also disclosed that evidence relating to what he described as phantom allegations and alleged compromise attempts would be presented before a competent court of law.
As part of the restructuring process, the ADC State Media Team has been suspended pending reconstitution, a move party sources said is aimed at repositioning the party’s communication machinery.
The caretaker state executive structure includes State Secretary Hon Adesina Sefiu, Deputy State Chairman Wole Ogunnubi, and State Vice Chairman (Central) Hon Akeem Egunjobi.
Other members of the interim leadership include State Vice Chairman (West) Hon Olusoji Fayemi, State Vice Chairman (East) Comrade Adebanjo Tunde Olalekan, and State Organising Secretary Dr Babatunde Soaga.
Also listed are State Auditor Ajibola Adegbenro, Digital/New Media Director Achibong Louis, and State Treasurer Agbebiyi Olusoji.
The list further features State Woman Leader Hon Yemi Adedigba, Public Relations Officer Olumide Onabanjo, State Financial Secretary Hon Irede Ogini, and State Youth Leader Deji Rowland.
At the Local Government level, confirmed chairmen include Hon Sunday Lukmon (Abeokuta North), Ramon Lasisi (Obafemi Owode), and Sowemimo Sofolahan (Abeokuta South).
Others include Ojerinde Olusola (Ifo), Azeez Balogun (Odeda), and Salam Abiodun Nurudeen (Ewekoro).
In the Yewa axis, Local Government leadership includes Ganiyu Alawe (Yewa South), Okebunmi Olaitan Abolore (Yewa North), Toyin Dada (Ado-Odo/Ota), and Akindele Haruna (Imeko Afon).
Additional appointments include Solomon Okeowo, while party activities in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu will be coordinated by Oluwatobi Kesiro and Shokale Oluwaseun respectively.
Within the wider Ijebu bloc, Local Government leadership includes Alhaji Sikiru Olanrewaju (Odogbolu), Kazim Adebanjo (Ijebu North), Erinle Ope Yemi (Ijebu North East), Dehinsilu Ayodele Olusegun (Ikenne), Rasak Shitu (Ijebu East), and Sobukola Michael (Remo North).
Soluade reiterated that the caretaker committee will oversee party affairs until the state congress is held. He assured members that additional appointments into vacant state positions would be announced in the coming days as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests.
Reacting to the development, an associate of Mr Jimi Adebola Lawal, Austin Onyokor, said the group would not engage in a public dispute with Otunba Dr Femi Soluade over the decision.
According to him, “We don’t want to join issues with Soluade. He is not the owner of the party. Whatever decision he has taken, certainly he is not the owner of the party. The owners of the party are the National Secretariat and they will address the issue at the appropriate time.”
