There is a new crisis brewing within the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party, just weeks before the governorship primary election. The Labour Party Integrity Group (LPIC), a pressure group within the party, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, demanding that he hand over all instruments of office to Ehiwe Ikuoyemwen, whom they claim is the acting chairman of the state.

The LPIC's request for Ogbaloi to relinquish all instruments of office was communicated in a letter dated 5th January, 2024. The group asserted that Ogbaloi had completed his constitutional two terms of six years from 2013 to 2019. The statement, signed by Ikuoyenwen, Comrade Jegede Idemudia, and Hon Aminu Abdullahi, was copied to the Inspector General of Police, Edo State Commissioner of Police, and the LP Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, among others. They also instructed Ogbaloi to refrain from carrying out official activities on behalf of the Labour Party.

Additionally, the group presented a supporting document dated 30th August 2023 from Akingbade Oyelekan & Co chambers, which claimed that the state executive committee had been dissolved and a caretaker appointed. However, Ogbaloi refuted these claims, stating that he has not been removed and will continue to operate as the chairman of the Labour Party until a competent body of the LP, the NWC, and the Congress of the party call a congress. He dismissed the LPIC's members as individuals seeking to benefit without legitimate standing within the party, asserting that they are either not members or are suspended from the party.

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