PDP Crisis: Wike’s Loyalists Sacked From Makinde-led Govt

The political crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has put the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde at loggerheads seem to have deepened following the sack of the minister’s loyalists from the governor’s administration.

The two have been at loggerheads over who controls the soul of the PDP especially in the state. The crisis between the duo has led to the factionalisation of the party at both the federal and the state levels.

Our correspondent reports that the crisis took another dimension when the chairman of Ibadan North local government area, Seun Onifade, sacked some people loyal to a former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi. Gbolarumi is one of the leaders of the Wike-led faction in the state.

It was learnt that the former deputy governor recently attended a meeting held by the Wike-led faction of PDP in Abuja.

As a result, Onifade who is serving as chairman under the Makinde government, took a decision to sack the loyalists of the former deputy governor.

Gbolarumi’s loyalists, who were fired by the local government chairman are the assistant secretary II in Ibadan North local government, Mr Olaniyi Stephen; the supervisory councilor representing Ward 1, Hon. Sakiru Oladele and the supervisory councilor representing Ward 12, Hon. Latifat Latifu.

Onifade, in the letter addressed to one of the sacked persons, Olaniyi Stephen, said that the letter takes immediate effect.

Onifade in the letter obtained on Friday, advised the sacked official not to parade himself as an official of the council anymore.

He said, “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.”

Reacting, former deputy governor of Oyo State and leader of the Nyesom Wike-faction of the PDP in the state, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, on Friday said there was no cause for alarm over the alleged sacking of his loyalists by Governor Seyi Makinde.

“No cause for alarm. They still remain in the party, PDP. Every start must have an end. They are called to service, they have contributed their quota,” he said.