Ogun ADC Suspends Jimi Lawal, Appoints Caretaker Committee To Steer Party

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended Jimi Adebola Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and appointed a caretaker committee to manage party affairs pending a state congress. According to party sources, the decision aims to restore stability and cohesion within the party.

State Chairman Femi Soluade, speaking in Abeokuta on Saturday, explained that Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was suspended for actions inconsistent with the ADC’s internal democratic framework. Soluade alleged that Lawal attempted to dominate party structures by systematically taking over two local government offices and dismantling existing state and local leadership frameworks.

The affected local governments in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu have reportedly been returned to their original leadership to re-establish balance and inclusivity. Soluade added that further attempts to control party structures at state or local levels have been halted to safeguard internal democracy and ensure equal participation.

The chairman confirmed that a caretaker committee has been constituted to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government positions. The committee is expected to oversee party operations until the state congress, whose date has not yet been announced, and to implement a strategy aimed at preparing the party for future elections. Interim local government and ward executives will continue to function, alongside membership mobilization and revalidation efforts coordinated by Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon. Mrs. Yemi Layeni.

Soluade also noted that evidence regarding alleged phantom allegations and attempts at compromise would be submitted to a competent court. The ADC state media team has been suspended pending restructuring.

Lawal, however, rejected the suspension, asserting through his media aide Austin Onyokor that the state chairman lacked the authority to take such action. “The owners of the party are the national secretariat, and they will address the issue at the appropriate time,” Lawal stated, emphasizing that he does not intend to contest Soluade personally.