Political Shake-Up In Ogun: ADC Suspends Jimi Lawal, Installs Caretaker Committee

The State Chairman, Femi Soluade, made the disclosure in a statement released on Saturday in Abeokuta, describing the decision as part of broader efforts to restore order, unity and internal discipline within the party.

According to Soluade, Lawal — a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai — was suspended for actions said to be inconsistent with the ADC’s principles and internal democratic processes.

“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,” Soluade stated.

He further alleged that Lawal sought to exert undue influence over party structures through what he termed the “systematic acquisition” of two local government chapters and the disruption of established leadership frameworks at both state and local levels.

Soluade said the party has since reinstated the original leadership structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu to restore balance and inclusiveness.

He added that any further attempts to take control of party structures at the state or local level had been stopped in order to safeguard internal democracy and ensure fair participation across the coalition.

The chairman also confirmed the establishment of a caretaker committee to temporarily occupy vacant positions within the state executive and local government leadership.

According to him, the committee will oversee party operations until a state congress is conducted, although a date for the congress has not yet been fixed.

He noted that additional appointments into vacant state offices would be announced soon as part of preparations for future elections.

Soluade explained that interim executives at the local government and ward levels would continue to function, alongside ongoing membership mobilisation, revalidation and registration efforts coordinated by Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon. Mrs. Yemi Layeni.

He also indicated that evidence relating to what he described as “phantom allegations and compromise attempts” would be presented before a competent court.

As part of the restructuring process, the ADC state media team was suspended pending reconstitution.

Lawal Rejects Decision

In response, Lawal rejected the suspension, arguing that the state chairman lacked the authority to remove him from the party.

Speaking through his media aide, Austin Onyokor, Lawal maintained that Soluade was not the owner of the party and therefore could not unilaterally take such action.

He added that the party’s national secretariat remained the ultimate authority and would address the matter at the appropriate time.