The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State has removed its state chairman, Princess Oyeronke Bolajoko, over allegations of abuse of office, administrative high-handedness and failure to uphold the party’s constitution.
The party has also announced Mr Akeem Aderogba as her replacement following a decision reportedly reached by state executives, aspirants and other members of the party.
Politics Nigeria reports that this was made public on Monday during a press conference held at the NDC party house in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The party’s state secretary, Comrade Adeolu Adewuyi, announced Bolajoko’s removal while addressing journalists on behalf of the executives and other stakeholders who supported the decision.
Adewuyi explained that the decision followed concerns about the management of the party’s affairs under the former chairman.
He maintained that the action was not driven by personal disagreements or political interests but was intended to protect the party’s structure and principles.
According to him, the state chapter could no longer overlook actions it considered inconsistent with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
He said the NDC was established on the principles of fairness, accountability, democratic participation and respect for the rule of law.
He added that those entrusted with leadership positions were expected to uphold these values in their dealings with party members.
Adewuyi stressed that occupying a leadership position did not give anyone the authority to act independently of the party’s constitution or disregard established procedures.
One of the major issues raised against Bolajoko was her alleged decision to suspend principal executives of the state chapter without following the required disciplinary procedures.
The party accused the former chairman of taking the decision unilaterally without providing those affected with an opportunity to defend themselves.
Adewuyi said such an action raised serious questions about the state leadership’s commitment to internal democracy and the protection of members’ rights.
He maintained that disciplinary matters within the party should be handled through established constitutional channels rather than personal decisions by individuals holding executive positions.
The party also accused Bolajoko of abuse of office and administrative high-handedness.
According to the members who announced her removal, the chairman’s position was intended to promote cooperation among party officials and strengthen unity across the state chapter.
They argued that the leadership structure should encourage participation and consultation rather than create divisions among executives, aspirants and other members.
Another concern raised during the press conference involved alleged shortcomings in accountability and transparency in the administration of the party’s affairs and resources.
Adewuyi said members had legitimate reasons to demand explanations about decisions taken on behalf of the party and how its resources were being managed.
He maintained that transparency was necessary to build confidence among members and ensure that the party’s leadership remained answerable to the people it represented.
Following the announcement of Bolajoko’s removal, the NDC Campaign Director-General in Oyo State, Mr Adeola Ebisemiju-Olamide, formally announced Akeem Aderogba as the new state chairman.
Ebisemiju-Olamide said the decision reflected the position of the executives, aspirants and members who participated in the move to restructure the state leadership.
He explained that the change was necessary to restore confidence in the party’s administration and strengthen its internal democratic processes.
The announcement places Aderogba at the centre of the party’s leadership structure in Oyo State, although the development could require further clarification from the national leadership regarding the procedures for recognising a change in the state executive.
The party members also appealed to the national leadership of the NDC to intervene in the matter.
They called for an investigation into the allegations against Bolajoko and urged the national leadership to take appropriate steps in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The request for intervention comes amid concerns about the potential consequences of internal disagreements on the party’s organisation and activities in the state.
The members maintained that their action was intended to protect the party from further administrative disagreements and prevent internal disputes from affecting its operations.
They also called on party supporters and members across Oyo State to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
Adewuyi urged members to remain committed to the ideals upon which the NDC was established, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and respect for the party’s rules.
As of the announcement at the press conference, the allegations against Bolajoko remained claims made by the faction of party executives that announced her removal.
No response from the former chairman was included in the announcement.