The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended Jimi Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and announced the formation of a caretaker committee to manage party affairs until a state congress is held.
State Chairman Femi Soluade, in a statement to journalists in Abeokuta, said the move is part of a wider restructuring aimed at restoring stability and protecting internal democracy within the party.
Soluade stated that Lawal, a former aide to Nasir El-Rufai, was suspended for actions inconsistent with the party’s principles and democratic framework. “We have suspended Mr. Jimi Adebola Lawal and declared him a non-member of the party due to activities inconsistent with the principles and internal democratic framework of the ADC,” he said.
The chairman alleged that Lawal attempted to dominate party structures through the “systematic acquisition” of leadership positions in two local government areas, Ijebu Ode and Sagamu, while undermining existing state and local leadership. These structures have now been restored to their original leadership to ensure inclusiveness and balance.
Soluade confirmed the appointment of a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government positions. “The caretaker committee will oversee the affairs of the party until the state congress is held. Additional appointments into vacant state positions will be announced in the coming days as part of our repositioning strategy ahead of future electoral contests,” he added.
Interim local government and ward executives will continue to operate alongside membership mobilization, revalidation, and registration activities coordinated by Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon. Mrs. Yemi Layeni to ensure effective grassroots engagement.
The chairman also stated that evidence regarding alleged “phantom allegations and compromise attempts” would be presented before a competent court of law. Additionally, the ADC state media team has been suspended pending reconstitution to strengthen the party’s communication machinery.
Reacting to the suspension, Lawal dismissed the action, claiming the state chairman lacked the authority. Through his media aide, Austin Onyokor, Lawal said: “We don’t want to join issues with Otunba Femi 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.”
