Some protesters yesterday shut down the All Progressives Congress (APC) new State Secretariat in Akure, the Ondo State capital, with palm fronds and a dead dog, demanding the removal of the state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
The objects were placed at the entrance of the secretariat located along FUTA road in Akure.
Speaking with newsmen, the youth leader of the APC, Barr. Babalayo Olutayo, said Adetimehin must leave the office over various alleged offences.
“I woke up this morning to learn that some aggrieved youths across the state went to the new secretariat to seal off the place with a lot of fetish objects, the place was barricaded, locked with a chain and I went there to confirm the incident and I found out that what people said to us was the fact.
“What led to the incident was allegations levelled against the incumbent chairman, Ade Adetimehin that he was calling for a military takeover and we are yet to know the reasons why he was calling for that.
“Not only that, we know that his tenure will come to an end by next year, and if at all he wants 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 leaving.
Meanwhile, the state chapter has disclosed that the party remained firm with the leadership of the embattled chairman.
Reacting to the crisis, the state director of media and publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the party had taken note of the recent announcement regarding the purported suspension of Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
Otaloro said, “We wish to clarify that this action is not only constitutionally flawed but also undermines the principles of fairness and due process that our party upholds.
“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.
“A warning letter is typically issued before any suspension is considered. It is evident that these essential processes were not followed in this instance, rendering the call for suspension invalid.”