A deepening political crisis has engulfed Ward 4 in Ido Local Government Area, pitting party stakeholders against one another in a dispute that observers say threatens the unity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the grassroots level.
At the center of the controversy is one of the chieftain of the party, Mr. Mathew Akano a special assistant to governor Seyi Makinde on Ido/Ibarapa federal constituency matters, he was accused by several ward leaders and members of attempting to unilaterally remove the sitting Ward 4 Youth Leader and impose a replacement without due consultation.
The crisis reportedly came to a head during a ward meeting held last Sunday, convened to address concerns surrounding the youth leadership position. According to party leaders who spoke with our correspondent, what was intended to be a reconciliation meeting descended into chaos.
Allegations of Intimidation and Violence
One of the party leaders in the ward, Alhaji Alabi Ojo, popularly known as Adedibu Ido, accused Mr. Akano of using the name of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intimidate party members and destabilize peace within the ward.
Adedibu Ido alleged that Mr. Akano arrived at the meeting determined to enforce the removal of the current youth leader, citing his frequent absence due to work commitments outside the state. However, he claimed that appeals for a collective decision-making process were ignored.
“Mr. Akano insisted that the youth leader must be replaced and that he would single-handedly nominate his successor,” Adedibu Ido said. “When party leaders objected and suggested that the matter be resolved amicably, he mobilised thugs who disrupted the meeting.”
He further alleged that those mobilised assaulted party leaders and members, sprayed harmful chemicals on attendees, and damaged his vehicle.
Youth Leader Denies Resignation
The Ward 4 Youth Leader, Olawore Taiwo Tosin, has confirmed that the ongoing crisis within the party in his ward stems from the actions of a party chieftain, Mr. Mathew Akano, who he alleges is attempting to remove him from his position and install a loyalist in his place.
Tosin firmly denied resigning from his role or authorising any move to replace him as Youth Leader, insisting that he remains the legitimate occupant of the position.
“I did not tell anyone I wanted to resign or submit any resignation letter,” he said. “Yes, I have not always been available because of my work, but I assigned responsibilities to Oloye Taoreed to ensure continuity. It is unfortunate that some leaders are allegedly conniving behind the scenes to remove me.”
Olawore stated that he was not physically present at the contentious meeting but had watched videos of the incident shared on the ward’s group platform. He described the situation as unfortunate and accused certain leaders of pursuing personal interests at the expense of party unity.
Claims of Authoritarian Leadership
Another party member, identified simply as Queen, described Mr. Akano as “a thorn in the flesh” of the PDP in Ido, particularly in Ward 4. She accused him of consistently attempting to impose his decisions on other leaders and members.
According to her, the dispute intensified when Mr. Akano declared at Sunday’s meeting that the youth leader would be replaced immediately and that he alone would nominate the successor.
“All attempts by party leaders to remind him that the youth leader had not resigned were ignored,” she said. “He ordered the thugs he brought to descend on us. We were beaten, and vehicles belonging to leaders were damaged.”
Further Allegations from Women’s Leader
Adding to the weight of accusations, Mrs. Tife, another party member, alleged a pattern of intimidation and threats against dissenting voices in the ward. She claimed that during a previous meeting, Mr. Akano and the Ward 4 Women Leader, Mrs. Funmilayo Akande, arrived with individuals who physically assaulted her.
She alleged that there were attempts to suspend her from the party on Mr. Akano’s instruction, a move she said was questioned by another party leader, Mr. Ojo Alabi.
Mrs. Tife also echoed claims that thugs disrupted the latest meeting, sprayed harmful substances on members, and vandalised property including her mobile phone and vehicle belong to one of the party leaders.
“It has become a habit to threaten party leaders and members in Ward 4,” she alleged.
Calls for Intervention
Those interviewed unanimously appealed to the Oyo State chapter of the PDP and Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene in the matter.
They warned that failure to address the crisis could lead to deeper divisions within the ward and potentially undermine the PDP’s electoral prospects in Ido Local Government in future elections.
As of press time, Mr. Mathew Akano had not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Political observers note that internal cohesion remains critical for party stability at the grassroots level. With tensions still high in Ward 4, stakeholders say swift mediation will be necessary to restore confidence, prevent further violence, and safeguard the party’s unity ahead of forthcoming political contests.
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