The Labour Party (LP) leadership, led by Julius Abure, dismissed the Edo State executive committee chaired by Kelly Ogaloi on Monday. The national secretariat replaced the dissolved executive with a 17-member caretaker committee, headed by Elizabeth Ativie, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly.
Crisis in Edo State Chapter
The ongoing crisis in the Edo State chapter intensified on May 25, 2024, when leaders in Arue-Uromi suspended Abure. Furthermore, the state executive committee in Benin ratified the suspension on May 24, 2024, making it effective immediately.
Suspension and National Response
The state executive advised Abure to refrain from presenting himself as a Labour Party member in Ward 3, Arue, Uromi. However, the national body denied knowledge of the suspension and maintained that Abure remains a party member and national chairman.
Caretaker Committee Inauguration
To address the state’s executive’s actions, the national leadership inaugurated a caretaker committee on Monday. Consequently, Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi led the ceremony, emphasizing that the new leadership replaced the expired Ogbaloi-led executive council.
New Leadership’s Role
Labour Party faces crisis as Edo State LP appoints a caretaker committee led by Elizabeth Ativie, dismissing Julius Abure’s executive. Furthermore, they highlighted Ativie’s result-oriented track record as the reason for her appointment, calling for unity within the party.
Support for New Leadership
Hon Esosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency, praised the national leadership for appointing Ativie and expressed readiness for the upcoming state governorship election. Similarly, Hon Osaro Omoruyi of Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency congratulated the new leadership, emphasizing the need to unite all aggrieved members. Ativie promised to elevate the party and reconcile all factions.
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