The Labour Party’s Ojo Chapter in Lagos has temporarily suspended Seyi Sowunmi, the House of Representatives member representing Ojo Federal Constituency, for a period of three months.
The suspension was made public on Wednesday through a statement signed by Oluwanifemi Elegbede, the Ojo Labour Party Chairman, and Blessing Okafor, the party’s Secretary.
The party officials decided to suspend Sowunmi because he did not obey a request to attend a meeting with the party’s disciplinary panel within 24 hours.
The panel had asked Sowunmi to attend on August 26, 2024, to discuss certain issues, but neither the lawmaker nor his office responded within the specified time.
In their statement, the party leaders characterized Sowunmi’s behavior as clear disobedience.
“Your refusal to appear before the disciplinary committee as requested in the summons shows gross insubordination to the party,” the statement read, referencing Article 20(B3) of the party’s constitution.
Moreover, the Labour Party accused Sowunmi of failing to attend ward meetings and not being registered in the wards he claims to represent.
Letters from both Ward A and Ward D in Ojo Local Government Area confirmed that Sowunmi was not a registered member in their wards, which goes against Article 20(B5) of the party’s constitution.
The party also mentioned Sowunmi’s lack of cooperation with existing leadership at all levels and his attempts to oust party leaders without following the correct procedures as additional reasons for his suspension.
According to the Labour Party’s constitution, such actions are in breach of Article 20(B7).
“Moreover, Sowunmi’s decision to take the party to court without first exhausting all internal dispute resolution mechanisms was another significant factor leading to his suspension.
“Following these findings, the disciplinary committee recommended that Sowunmi be suspended for three months, a decision that was promptly enacted by the party’s Ojo Chapter.
“The suspension takes immediate effect,” the statement added.
