The Edo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, has suspended four of its executive members for alleged misconduct.
The suspension of the executive members was made known to newsmen on Sunday in Benin City, at a press conference.
The State chairman of the party, Elder Felix Obayagbon, read the press statement which was also signed by state secretary, Mr Hyacinth Esangbedo and state working party members
Obayagbon said the disciplinary action was taken against the erring members after the State Working Committee meeting in Benin City.
DAILY POST reports that the suspended executive members were accused of illegally suspending the duly recognized State Chairman and State Secretary, among others.
Obayagbon also listed the offences of the embattled executive members to include; convening unauthorized meetings in defiance of established party protocols, making disparaging and inflammatory remarks against the party and its leadership.
“Other infractions include an alleged attempt to relocate the State Secretariat without approval, which undermined the party’s operational structure,
“The alleged forging official of party letterhead and the signatures of the State Chairman and Secretary to mislead the public and falsely legitimize their unlawful actions.
“Alleged use of the State Chairman’s name and forged documents to issue a condolence message without his knowledge or consent”, he alleged.
He said the suspension of the erring members was with immediate effect.
He gave the names of the suspended executive members as the party members Chief Tony Alile, Organizing Secretary, Mr. Chris Ojiekere, publicity secretary, Mr. Benjamin Omonzokpia, Youth Leader and Mrs. Yami Jatto, Woman Leader.
The state SDP chairman opined that the suspension of the officials was in line with the relevant sections of the party’s constitution.
According to him, “the Edo State Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has taken decisive disciplinary action against four members whose actions constitute gross violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 of the Party’s Constitution.
“Their conduct has been deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party. The suspension of the party’s officials takes immediate effect.
“Alleged travelling to Abuja with two subordinates without obtaining the necessary approval from the State Chairman”, he alleged
Obayagbon stated that particularly disturbing was that Chief Tony Alile and Mr Chris Ojiekere, who joined the party in April 2025, allegedly embraced a path of insubordination, forgery and anti-party activities.
He alleged that the actions of the duo were geared towards tarnishing the image of the party and attempting to undermine its constitutionally established leadership.
He further alleged that the suspended officials were acting in open connivance with a group of well-known transactional politicians, opportunists who notoriously resurface during every election cycle to negotiate self-serving deals and “cash out” at the expense of the party’s integrity and mission.
“This alliance has been rekindled ahead of the upcoming bye-election scheduled for August 2025, with the sole aim of hijacking the party structure for selfish political gain.
“Such actions represent egregious violations of the SDP Constitution and are entirely incompatible with the party’s foundational principles.
“The SDP, Edo State Chapter, remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, discipline and unity. The party will not tolerate actions that jeopardize its integrity, legality or collective vision”, he added.
DAILY POST gathered that some members of the party had purportedly illegally suspended the party chairman, Elder Felix Obayagbon, and the secretary, Mr Hycenth Esangbedo.
