Edo SDP Suspends Four Top Officials Over Alleged Misconduct

The Edo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended four members of its State Working Committee (SWC) over allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

The party’s decision was announced on Sunday in Benin City during a press conference addressed by the state chairman, Elder Felix Obayagbon, alongside the state secretary, Mr. Hyacinth Esangbedo, and other SWC members.

Obayagbon revealed that the suspension followed a resolution reached at a meeting of the State Working Committee. The suspended officials were accused of illegally attempting to oust the recognized state chairman and secretary, convening unauthorized meetings, making inflammatory statements, and plotting to relocate the party’s secretariat without approval.

He further alleged that the group forged party letterheads and signatures to issue misleading public statements, including a condolence message purportedly signed by the chairman without his consent.

The affected officers are Chief Tony Alile (Organizing Secretary), Mr. Chris Ojiekere (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Benjamin Omonzokpia (Youth Leader), and Mrs. Yami Jatto (Woman Leader). The suspension takes immediate effect.

Citing Articles 19.1 to 19.3 of the SDP constitution, Obayagbon stated that their conduct posed a serious threat to the unity and operational integrity of the party.

He accused Alile and Ojiekere, who only joined the party in April, of spearheading acts of insubordination and forging alliances with political opportunists seeking to hijack the party ahead of the upcoming bye-election scheduled for August.

“The SDP in Edo State remains firmly committed to discipline, internal democracy, and unity. We will not allow individuals or external interests to undermine our mission or tarnish our reputation,” Obayagbon declared.

Reports indicate that the suspended members had earlier attempted to announce the suspension of the chairman and secretary, moves the party leadership has now described as null and void.