The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chapter in Oyo State has declared that it will seek legal redress after rejecting the alleged appointment of Chief Bisi Ilaka to its Membership Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration (MRMR) Committee.
Ilaka, a former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, was accused by the party of allegedly misrepresenting himself as having been duly appointed to the committee.
The Oyo ADC called him a “impostor” and cautioned him and his purported supporters to refrain from meddling in the party’s affairs in a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo.
The statement made clear that the party would not hesitate to seek judicial intervention against Ilaka and what it described as his “collaborators” if the matter persists.
The ADC criticized Ilaka’s political background, pointing out that he had unsuccessfully run for office on several occasions.
It expressed dismay that, in its view, he had chosen what it termed an “undemocratic path” in pursuit of what it described as “inordinate ambition,” rather than drawing lessons from past electoral defeats.
The party apologised to members and the general public for the confusion caused by the incident and accused anonymous people, whom it referred to as “political aliens,” of often inciting crises and acting in what it described as uncivilised political conduct.
The Oyo ADC stressed that Ilaka is neither recognised by the state chapter nor nominated by it for any national assignment.
It clarified that any appointment made by the National Headquarters must be formally sponsored by the State Chapter and communicated through the State Chairman in accordance with the party’s constitution and established procedure. Additionally, the state structure must be aware of and support the nominee.
The announcement states that Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, as Chairman, and Professor Folake Tafita, as Secretary, are Oyo State’s formally designated representatives on the MRMR Committee.
Their nominations, the party said, were properly sponsored by the State Chapter and they have since been inaugurated in Abuja.
Additionally, it said that the State Chairman would have formally notified the State Chapter if any state nominations had been denied. It insisted that no such correspondence had been received.
Reiterating its organisational strength, the party noted that it currently maintains valid Executive Committee structures across all 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards in Oyo State.
As a result, the ADC asked the public and party loyalists to ignore any publication implying that Ilaka or his associates hold positions within the MRMR Committee, stating that such assertions are at odds with the party’s established processes.
Rather, members were urged to concentrate on the current online membership registration process, which is accessible through the party’s official registration portal for a period of two weeks.
The Oyo ADC reiterated its unity and dedication to drawing in credible and resourceful people capable of adding value to the party , while separating itself from what it called disruptive external influences.
