Awolowo’s granddaughter steps down from labour party executive committee

DDM News

Pastor Funke Awolowo, the granddaughter of Nigeria’s nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has tendered her resignation from the Executive Committee of the Labour Party in Lagos State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that her resignation brings an abrupt end to her role as the Head of the Mobilisation and Integration Team of the party in the state.

In a statement personally signed by her and addressed to the Lagos State Chairman of the Labour Party, Dayo Ekong, Funke Awolowo cited internal issues within the party as the primary reason for her exit.

She explained that recent developments within the party had cast a shadow over its internal operations, making it difficult for her to continue her involvement with integrity.

According to her, these changes had undermined the ideals and values that initially drew her to the party.

In her letter, she stressed that she had spent considerable time reflecting on the situation before making her decision.

She noted that the integrity of the Lagos State Executive Committee had been severely compromised.

She claimed that the party’s internal mechanisms were now being used for purposes that clashed with her personal principles.

Funke Awolowo said she could no longer continue in her role with a clear conscience, given what she described as the misuse of the committee’s structure.

She also lamented that her personal reputation had been adversely affected by being associated with actions and motives she neither supported nor encouraged.

She pointed out that her name was now being linked to agendas that were inconsistent with the values she cherished.

She emphasized that these associations were unfair and unjustified.

Despite stepping down, she reaffirmed her commitment to national development, public service, and the democratic process.

She declared that her decision to resign did not imply that she had lost interest in the political progress of the country.

Her resignation comes just four months after she publicly urged key political stakeholders to unite for the vision of a New Nigeria.

In that earlier appeal, she called on supporters of the Obidient movement, the Afenifere socio-political group, and various support groups to forge a united front.

She believed that such unity was vital for achieving meaningful change in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The Labour Party, which gained significant momentum in the 2023 general elections, particularly among youths and professionals, is currently grappling with internal strife in several states.

Observers note that the party’s internal crisis, particularly in Lagos, has become more visible since the aftermath of the last elections.

The exit of Funke Awolowo, a descendant of one of Nigeria’s most respected political icons, is likely to attract considerable attention and raise questions about the internal workings of the party.

Political analysts suggest that her departure could influence the perception of integrity within the Lagos chapter of the Labour Party.

The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Funke’s grandfather, was a former Premier of the Western Region and a founding father of Nigeria’s independence struggle.

He is still revered for his contributions to education, social welfare, and progressive politics in the country.

Funke Awolowo’s involvement in the Labour Party had drawn interest from many who believed she would carry forward the legacy of political integrity left by her grandfather.

Her resignation now leaves questions about the Labour Party’s internal discipline and its ability to attract and retain credible figures in its ranks.

Stakeholders are watching closely to see if more resignations will follow or if the party leadership will take steps to address the grievances raised.

Her departure adds to the ongoing debate over transparency and ideological commitment within Nigerian political parties.

It also reopens concerns about the fate of the Obidient movement and other reform-minded political initiatives linked to the Labour Party.

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