The crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Wednesday as the party announced the expulsion of key figures Dan Orbih, Hon. Philip Shaibu, and Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
The expulsion, led by the Anthony Aziegbemi-led state executives, was disclosed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Ogie Vasco, in a statement issued in Benin City. Vasco stated that the expulsions, effective immediately, were due to alleged anti-party activities.
Vasco mentioned that the State Working Committee (SWC) confirmed and upheld their suspensions and expulsions during a meeting attended by nine SWC members at the party’s secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City. “The SWC extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel with immediate effect Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South-South, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, and upheld the expulsion of Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area,” he said.
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In response, Chief Dan Orbih dismissed the action as the work of “idle persons and busybodies.” He asserted that the state leadership lacks the authority to suspend a member of the National Working Committee. “When a group of persons who are idle and have nothing to do sit down to make pronouncements that are unconstitutional, it only shows that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party,” he remarked.
The Oredo Local Government chapter of the party, however, disowned the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama, describing it as null and void. Mr. Oduwa Igbinosun, the local government chairman, stated that the purported expulsion by Lawrence Aguebor and his group was unauthorized. “The said Lawrence is an ex-official of the ward and lacks the authority to suspend or expel anyone,” he clarified.
The executives of PDP Ward 2 also refuted the suspension and expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama. Mr. Jesuobo Obadigie, the ward secretary, emphasized that no such action was carried out, urging unity within the party ahead of the September governorship elections. “This is to warn mischief-makers and impostors to desist from their criminal and divisive actions that could cause potential harm,” he stated.
Ward chairman Prince Elemah, along with the unanimous decision of the 12 ward exco members, affirmed Ogbeide-Ihama’s status as a prominent leader within the party. “Ogbeide-Ihama remains our leader and a bona fide member,” Elemah confirmed.
