Is It Pay Back Time For Adetimehin, Ondo APC Chairman?

By Ayodele Oni

Ade Adetimehin is the incumbent chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Ondo state. His tenure is expected to terminate early next year.

But recent happenings within the ruling part in Ondo state signifies that things are no longer at ease especially with the chairman.

Adetimehin, is a lucky man. God has given him the knowledge and wisdom to pilot affairs of the APC in Ondo state with the enthronement of two governors, first, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and now Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that won the last November Governorship election, not minding the fact that his local government of origin remains one of the strongest bases for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Adetimehin, no doubt had been pampered by the two governors he worked with. Late Akeredolu put him at same salary level with commissioner’s while in the saddle. When time to pick candidates for various elective positions come, be enjoys an unfettered freedom to pick whomsoever he chooses.

Even when the rumour was ripe that Aiyedatiwa would remove him following his inauguration as substantive governor last year, he passed over the deed.

In all areas, it can be said that his tenure has been smooth, even with the members of the state House of Assembly. What has happened since after the November Governorship election that could now warrant calls for his removal?

Is it true that Governor Aiyedatiwa just tried as much as possible to tolerate him till after his election? What what his roles in picking chairmanship and counselorship candidates for the local government election slated for next year in Ondo?

Some youths of the APC started the onslaught against Adetimehin when they invaded the party Secretariat and laced the entrance with some fettish objects including coffin demanding that time is up for Adetimehin.

Pioneer State Youth leader of the APC, Babalayo Olutayo, who was at the scene of the incident said that Adetimehin must leave office over various alleged offences.

According to him; “I woke up this morning to learnt that some aggrieved youths across the state went to the  Secretariat to seal-off the place with a lot of fetish objects, the place was barricaded, locked with chain and I went there to confirm the incident and I found out that what people said to us was actually the fact.

“What led to the incident was due to some allegations leveled against the incumbent chairman, Ade Adetimehin that he was calling for military takeover and we are yet to know the reasons why he was calling for this.

“Not only that we know that his tenure will come to an end by next year, and if at all he want to leave, we believe that he should leave the party better than where he met it not that he has to destroy the foundation of the party because he is leaving.

“Also, another allegations leveled against him was how he doctored the list of the just concluded governorship election and incoming local government election which we felt that this is not right.

“We believe that as a chairman, if you cannot better the democracy you should leave. You cannot continue to mortgage the life of the people because of your own personal interest. And of course people in the party are accusing him of high handedness, no accountability, and he is not honest.

“So for me, if people are clamoring for his removal or not, the truth is that he has spent his term so he should leave the party peacefully and honourably. He doesn’t need it to be chased out.

“He is the only one running the affairs of the party, no youth leader, no women leader, there is no party’s secretary, no state legal adviser.”

As if this was not enough, Adetimehin’s ward at Idanre local government same day announced his suspension citing his unguarded utterances as one of the reasons. His letter of suspension was signed by all executive members at the ward.

The ward leadership, in an undated letter,  accused the embattled chairman of alleged gross misconduct. Adetimehin, whose tenure will expire next year, was accused of spearheading campaign for the return of military rule in the country.

In a resolution reached during an emergency meeting, the ward executives stated that Adetimehin’s comments were capable of inciting anarchy within the party. The executives concluded that the suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.

The statement, signed by key party executives, emphasized the need for maintaining party discipline and order. The executives reiterated their commitment to upholding party unity and ensuring accountability among its leaders.

Reacting to the suspension, the state chapter of APC in a statement by director of publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the action of the ward executive is illegal.

“Under our party’s constitution, any suspension must follow a clearly defined procedure that includes providing the member with a detailed account of the allegations against them and an opportunity to defend themselves before a designated committee.

“Furthermore, a warning letter is typically issued prior to any suspension being considered. It is evident that these essential processes were not followed in this instance, rendering the call for suspension invalid.

“The decision made by the Ofosu ward Exco of Idanre Local Government is inconsistent with the provisions of our party’s constitution and is, therefore, null and void. The reasons cited for this suspension lack substance and detail, suggesting that the actions taken may stem from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about leadership.

“We want to reiterate that Engr. Ade Adetimehin’s remains the rightful chairman of the APC in Ondo State. His leadership is crucial as we prepare for the upcoming local government elections, where we are committed to achieving victory for our party. We will not allow distractions from individuals with ulterior motives to deter us from our goals.

“We urge our loyal party members in Idanre LG to refrain from any retaliatory actions against the members of the Ofosu Exco involved in this illegitimate suspension. Rest assured, those responsible for this breach of protocol will face appropriate consequences at the right time. For now, our priority is to focus on campaigning and ensuring a successful LG election.”

However the silence of Governor Aiyedatiwa on the ongoings especially the ongoing war against Adetimehin has brought suspicion, with claim that he has a hand in it.

Adetimehin has been alleged to have compromised his position during the impeachment saga of Aiyedatiwa while serving as deputy to late Akeredolu. He was reported to be neither here nor there while the governor was going through hell in the hands of the State House of Assembly. It remains just an allegation.

With Aiyedatiwa’s victory at November election, it is said that time has come for him to take a pound of flesh from his perceived tormentors. But the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan told The Source that his boss has no hand in the matter. “He is not sir. He has nothing to do with it.”

There have been calls from APC stakeholders in the state to allow Adetimehin complete his tenure since he will exit early next year. One of them Aderosoye Fadola from Ifedore local government condemned the purported suspension of the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and the placement of fetish objects at the party secretariat, calling it a desperate, narcissistic move that runs counter to democratic principles.

He commended the Ofosun Ward Chairman for his swift and decisive response in debunking the fake suspension, thereby nipping the unnecessary intrigues in the bud.

He described Engr. Adetimehin as a doyen, an adroit human resource manager, and an astute politician. According to Aderosoye, “Adetimehin’s unassuming, simplistic, and altruistic disposition has caused political unease in the camp of detractors. He is, arguably, one of the most celebrated State Chairmen of the APC in Nigeria and has never been found wanting.”

Another APC stalwart from Idanre, Adebusuyi Idowu, a former lawmaker, condemned the attacks saying Adetimehin has not committed any offence to warrant such act against the party, adding that the APC chairman remains a strong and popular political figure in Ondo State. At the end of the day, Adetimehin will have to carry his cross.