By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Labour Party and Oluwanifemi Elegbede |
OJO, LAGOS – The Labour Party (LP) in Ojo Local Government Area is grappling with a severe internal crisis as key stakeholders have formally petitioned for the immediate removal of their chairman, Hon. Oluwanifemi Elegbede, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial malfeasance, and authoritarian leadership.
In a strongly-worded petition sighted by our newsroom, 34 card-carrying members and stakeholders, including Apex Leader Chief Jude Omeziri and the party's recent chairmanship candidate, Olumayowa Akinlola Abudu-Akogun, have passed a vote of no confidence in Comrade Elegbede's leadership. They accuse him of crippling the party's growth and betraying the trust of its members.
The petition reveals that the current allegations are not Elegbede's first brush with controversy. It recalls that in 2023, following the general elections, the chairman was accused of collecting "large sums of money" from rival parties, including the APC and YPP, an action that nearly "truncated Labour Party's victory" in Ojo. He was reportedly questioned by stakeholders for compromising his office.
The petitioners allege that rather than show remorse, Elegbede's conduct has worsened in 2025, manifesting in what they describe as "leadership ineptitude, pride, and arrogance culminating to administrative lacunas of the highest and intolerable degree."
The stakeholders leveled a series of allegations against the embattled chairman which includes Financial Misappropriation & Extortion. Diverting proceeds from party membership card sales into his personal account without any accountability. Forcing ward chapters to pay a fine of N15,000 into his personal account for late submission of membership registers.
Failing to account for money contributed for a party-organized football competition. Exploiting party members and executives through incessant and unwarranted financial demands and levies, especially during the last local government elections.
He was also acuse of Abuse of Office and Dictatorial Conduct by Refusing to call Executive meetings, effectively running the party as a "one-man show." Withholding official party documents to prevent ward chairmen from opening bank accounts for transparency. Unilaterally removing executives at both the LGA and Ward levels without recourse to the party's disciplinary committee. Constantly threatening ward chairmen with removal if they fail to adhere to his "draconian orders." Bullying members by boasting of his connections with the state leadership for protection.
Citing a complete erosion of trust, the stakeholders have unequivocally passed a vote of no confidence in Hon. Nifemi Elegbede's leadership.
The petition outlines three key demands which which stated that, Hon. Elegbede should step aside immediately. The Vice Chairman, Mr. Muritala Azeez, should take over leadership on an interim basis. A thorough and independent investigation into all the allegations of gross misconduct must be conducted. If found guilty, decisive disciplinary measures must be taken to restore the party's integrity and formidability.
The petition concludes with a urgent plea to the State Executive and Disciplinary Committees to act swiftly to "save the party from further collapse."
As of the time of this report, Hon. Oluwanifemi Elegbede was not responding to calls on the allegations. The State Leadership of the Labour Party is expected to review the petition and determine its next steps as the party seeks to manage this internal rebellion.