It's not merely odd, it's a crass (if low stakes) power play by someone obviously intent on sabotage (might be personal, might be related to a perceived fiefdom etc.).
Plenty of people who haven’t really thought about how conferences should work end up on committees running conferences, kind of like how plenty of developers end up as high level reviewers or managers regardless of their qualifications.
Also, being inept and clinging to one's position isn't a good look either.