Ondo SDP faction declares composition of party’s Caretaker Committee illegal

The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has said that the composition of the party’s caretaker committee in the state is illegal.

A factional acting state Chairman of SDP, Mr Dele Thomas, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure.

NAN reports that the National Working Committee of the party had, on June 1, dissolved the SEC, led by Chief Korede Duyile, and inaugurated the Dele Ogunbameru-led caretaker committee.

Thomas explained that the SEC took the position after it had a virtual meeting on Thursday during which it had an extensive deliberations on the needless leadership crisis currently rocking the party in the state.

“As far as the National Executive Committee of SDP is concerned, it is not aware of any arrangement for the composition and inauguration of caretaker committee in Ondo State.

“The constitution of SDP makes it explicitly clear that the National Working Committee of the party cannot dissolve any State Working Committee without the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Members of the State Executive Committee of SDP in Ondo State have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the current executive council,” Thomas said.

He, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord him his due recognition as the acting chairman of the party in the state.

Thomas also called on the Prof. Tunde Adeniran-led National Working Committee to respect the constitution of SDP by putting an end to what he called illegalities in the party.

“The SEC members were emphatic that the non-existing position of Deputy National Chairman, South that Dr Olu Agunloye had created for himself is completely alien to the constitution of SDP.

“The SEC, therefore, resolved not to hesitate in recommending the expulsion of Agunloye from SDP to the NEC, if he continues to flout the party’s constitution with impunity.

“In the interest of public peace and out of respect for the constitution of SDP, it was also resolved that the Ondo State Commissioner of Police should immediately shove out any illegally-constituted caretaker committee from the party secretariat in Akure,” Thomas said.

However, in his swift reaction, Ogunbameru, another factional Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, called on Thomas to join hands with him to ‘reshape, rejuvenate and rebrand’ the party for electoral victories rather than spreading misinformation all round the social media.

“In as much as Thomas acknowledges and recognises the Prof. Tunde Adeniran-led NWC, a hand of friendship is still available for him to embrace before it is too late.

“The party is greater than anyone or any interest. Come and let’s build the party with a united force instead of fighting a lost battle.

“SDP is one in Ondo State and in Nigeria, and will continue to be one, regardless of any mischief-making,” Ogunbameru said.