Benin, 25 May 2024 – In a significant development within the Labour Party (LP), the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, has been suspended by the Edo State chapter amid ongoing contention over his position. The decision was ratified by the state executive committee, led by Kelly Ogbaloi, during a meeting on Friday night in Benin.
The suspension was formalized through letters dated May 14 and May 15, 2024, signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh. The letters explicitly instructed Abure to cease representing himself as a member of the Labour Party in Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“While the suspension is with immediate effect, you are advised to refrain from holding out or parading yourself as a member of Labour Party, Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State,” the suspension notice stated.
State Executive Committee Chair Kelly Ogbaloi emphasized that the state council had no option but to endorse the suspension, which was also backed by the party’s executive council in Esan North East Local Government Area. “Given the circumstances and the gravity of the allegations, it was imperative that we take this action to uphold the integrity of our party,” Ogbaloi remarked.
Adding to the call for suspension, the state’s deputy chairman of LP, Patrick Agbontaen, expressed the party’s frustration with the numerous allegations of misconduct against Abure. “We are fed up with the series of allegations of misdemeanour against Abure and are fully in agreement with the decision to suspend him until further notice,” Agbontaen stated.
The ratification letter further detailed the process and justification for the suspension: “Here forwarded to you and for your consideration is the ratification of the suspension of Julius Abure from the membership of Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East LGA, Edo State. The LGA Executive met on the 15th of May, 2024, about noon, to consider the matters presented on the suspension and accordingly found them weighty and the suspension ratified and upheld.”
This suspension comes at a crucial time for the Labour Party as it navigates internal disputes and aims to maintain organizational discipline. The party has yet to announce any interim leadership arrangements or further actions regarding Abure’s suspension.
