Tensions are mounting within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party as Ken Omusi, the state Youth Leader, has taken the drastic step of ousting the Kelly Ogbaloi-led State Working Committee, signalling a deepening crisis ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
Omusi, flanked by supporters, asserted his authority by declaring himself Acting Chairman, alongside Stanley Orobosa as Secretary, forming a new three-man interim executive to lead the party in the state.
In a press conference held at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, Omusi cited the need to address what he described as the “draconian and tyrannical” leadership style of the ousted committee. He accused the former leadership of unilaterally suspending hundreds of party members without adhering to the party’s constitution.
According to Omusi, the high-handedness of the previous leadership had led to the suspension of over 350 members in just three months, with accusations of arbitrary decisions being made via the party’s WhatsApp platform.
Asserting the dissolution of the state executive, Omusi called upon the national leadership of the party to ratify the change, emphasizing the urgency of rebuilding the party ahead of the upcoming election.
However, in response to Omusi’s actions, Kelly Ogbaloi, the ousted chairman, maintained his position as the substantive leader of the party in the state. He asserted that only the National Working Committee has the authority to remove any state working committee member, dismissing Omusi’s actions as unauthorized and lacking legal backing.
