By Milcah Tanimu
Amid internal discord within its Edo State chapter, the Labour Party (LP) has taken decisive action by removing the state executive, led by Kelly Ogaloi. The party’s national leadership, headed by Julius Abure, has appointed a 17-man caretaker committee to oversee affairs, with former state House of Assembly Speaker, Elizabeth Ativie, appointed as its head.
This move follows a period of contention, triggered by Julius Abure’s suspension by party leaders from Arue-Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area. Allegations of highhandedness and anti-party activities led to his suspension, formally communicated on May 25, 2024, and subsequently endorsed by the state executive committee in Benin.
However, the LP’s national body refuted the validity of this suspension, asserting Abure’s continued role as the national chairman. To address the escalating situation, the national party inaugurated the caretaker committee, with Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi leading the ceremony.
During the inauguration, Dr. Olorunfemi clarified that the restructuring was prompted by the expiration of the Ogaloi-led executive’s tenure in April. He expressed confidence in Ativie’s leadership abilities, citing her track record of delivering results as pivotal to her appointment.
Dr. Olorunfemi emphasized the need for unity and assured that the caretaker committee would navigate the party effectively until a new executive is elected in the upcoming state congresses.
The leadership transition has garnered support from various party members, including Hon. Esosa Iyawe and Osaro Omoruyi, representing Oredo Federal Constituency and Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency, respectively. Both underscored the importance of unity and strong leadership, particularly in the lead-up to the September state governorship elections, expressing their endorsement for Olumide Akpata as the gubernatorial candidate.
In her acceptance speech, Ativie pledged to enhance the party’s standing in the state and committed to reconciling all factions, ensuring a unified front to confront electoral challenges ahead.