Hendrix Oliomogbe
An plot to blackmail and replace the former Edo State deputy governor, Rev. Peter Obadan as the Owan West Local Government Area leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the wishes of majority of party faithful may result in a leadership crisis in the local chapter of the ruling party.
It was gathered that opposition against Obadan's continued leadership is spearheaded by a faction loyal to the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, the member representing Owan Federal Constituency.
A statement credited to Rev Obadan shortly after the victory of the party in the last governorsip elections at an enlarged meeting of the party, where he expressed his willingness to handover the mantle of leadership of the party to the younger Turks led by Mr. Lucky "Tarex" Ohimai appeared not to have gone down well with Ihonvbere's supporters.
The former deputy governor had lionized Tarex as Ohimai is popularly called for the renewed vigour and strength he brought to the party in Owan West which culminated in the victory of the party against the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorsip election.
A party source who would not want his name in print disclosed that the old guards led by Prof. Ihonvbere, who are apparently not in a hurry quit the scene are spoiling for a showdown with Rev. Obadan over his plan to sideline their leader.
Determined to actualize their plans, some ward leaders in the local government, who are said to be loyal to the Majority Leader met recently to strategize on how to ease out the long-serving ex-deputy governor and replace him with one of their loyalists, Dele Ogunleye.
A statement by Mr. S. I. Akhigbe and 15 others after the meeting, reportedly moved for the replacement of Rev. Obadan following a motion for his replacement which was unanimously adopted at the meeting.
The choice of Ogunleye and attempt to alter the leadership status has however met stiff opposition and condemnation from members of another feuding faction, who are insisting on the maintenance of status quo or in the alternative, for Tarex to step into Rev. Obadan's shoes.
The Leadership Group, as the pro-Obadan faction is known is staunchly opposed to the choice of Ogunleye and includes the Owan West APC Chairman, Frank David; Ojo Asein, the local government Youth Leader; Chief Odion Omogbai; Reginald Okun; Enahoro Aikpokpo and several other top members of the party.
The leadership of the group has appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to give recognition to Tarex caucus following the latter's unwavering support and immeasurable efforts towards his victory in the last September 21 Edo State governorship election.
The group noted that before the emergence of Tarex in Owan West, the APC in the local government could best be described as a rudderless ship, as it lacked the wherewithal, strength and focus to prevail in a contest against the PDP,, with the towering presence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.
They further argued that the intervention and presence of Ohimai who bestrode the entire local government like a colossus during the campaigns combined with his allure and presence attracted several opposition figures into the APC's fold, as never witnessed in the party's history
The group insisted that Tarex was no doubt instrumental to APC well-deserved victory in the governorsip election, a fact which pro-Ihonvbere group, even in their protest letter readily acknowledged.
Investigationa revealed that loyalists of Ohimai are of the view that the call for the removal of the erstwhile deputy governor as Owan West leader is a mere smokescreen directed at whittling down the growing influence of their leader in the eyes of the governor and other critical party stakeholders across Edo State.
They noted that Rev. Obadan moves to relinquish the APC's leadership to Ohimai is a pill too bitter to swallow by supporters of Ihonvbere, arguing that as a federal lawmaker and Majority Leader, he naturally ought to provide leadership for the party.
Checks revealed that a cross section of party members in Owan West seems to be favourably disposed to Ohimai's leadership, pointing to the fact that he practically turned the tide in favour of the APC by using his huge personal resources to provide logistics support during the run to the election and even after.
They noted that, going by his antecedent, the emerging leader has all the qualities needed to successfully place the party on a surer footing in winning future electoral contests in the local government area.
They therefore urged Governor Okpebholo to disregard the protest letter by those feeling shortchanged in the scheme of things and ensure that kudos, accolades and patronage are accorded to those who ensured the victory of the party in the just concluded election.
While emphasizing the need to stick to laid down constitutional processes and procedures and allow them play out without manipulations and undue interference, they appealed to the governor to take into cognizance a party chieftain, who showed visibility and ensure the party's victory in the governorsip poll, when considering the commissioner and other appointees from the local government area.
Being the leader of the party, they advised the governor not to be swayed by undue sentiments of those who feel the old order must take precedence over new thinking which astute individuals like Ohimai represent.
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