By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The suspension of the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Olu Agunloye, has been endorsed by the leaders of the party from the South-West region of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of SDP, Mr Femi Olaniyi, the group passed a vote of no confidence on the embattled chairman, saying the decision of his ward in Ondo North Local Government to ask him to step aside was a step in the right direction.
According to the leaders, his alleged involvement in anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution was not acceptable, which necessitated his suspension.
The SDP South-West leaders hailed the endorsement of Mr Sheu Musa as the acting National Chairman of the party, pending the forthcoming congress of the party.
In the statement, Mr Olaniyi, who doubles as Chairman, South-West Leaders, SDP, described Mr Agunloye as an enemy of the party, who was rather interested in his personal gains, alleging that he has deliberately frustrated the growth of SDP in Ondo State such that the membership strength has been reduced.
He, however, on behalf of the South-West leadership said the emergence of Mr Agunloye as the party’s secretary was unacceptable by South-West members of SDP, calling on the national leadership to give it a week’s grace so as to put down a suitable candidate for the position.
In the statement, a party stalwart from Ondo State, Mr Sola Agboola, was quoted as saying that Mr Agunloye’s suspension was based on a letter from his ward (Ward 10) that recommended his suspension from the party over alleged anti-party activities.
“The Social Democratic Party South-West caucus is very law-abiding and we are not in support of anyone usurping authority,” he reportedly stated, adding that the embattled leader was fond of using the divide and rule style with his position, which gave the party a bad reputation.
In another development, the party commiserated with the people of the Oyo kingdom over the demise of their monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The party also noted that the traditional ruler, in his lifetime, was committed to the promotion of the rich culture and traditions of Yoruba.
