The ongoing power struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with a local government chairman in Oyo State reportedly sacking officials loyal to former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, a key supporter of the Wike-led faction.
According to DAILY POST, the tension between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over control of the PDP has already led to factionalisation at both the federal and state levels.
The crisis escalated when Seun Onifade, Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government Area under the Makinde administration, dismissed three officials believed to be loyal to Gbolarumi:
- Mr. Olaniyi Stephen, Assistant Secretary II
- Hon. Sakiru Oladele, Supervisory Councillor representing Ward 1
- Hon. Latifat Latifu, Supervisory Councillor representing Ward 12
The dismissals followed Gbolarumi’s attendance at a recent Wike-led PDP faction meeting in Abuja. In a letter addressed to Olaniyi Stephen, Onifade stated that the terminations take immediate effect and instructed the sacked officials to stop presenting themselves as council representatives.
“I wish to refer to the above subject and inform you that your appointment as Assistant Secretary in Ibadan North Local Government has been terminated with immediate effect. You are enjoined henceforth to desist from parading yourself as Assistant Secretary in the Local Government,” the letter read.
The development marks a significant intensification of the internal PDP conflict in Oyo State, highlighting the growing divide between the Makinde and Wike factions.
