APC congress: Violence in Oluyole LG, as chieftain fingers lawmaker’s loyalists
STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN
The All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State was, on Saturday, thrown into chaos, following a violent disruption by a faction allegedly loyal to the member representing the constituency, Honourable Tolu Akande-Shadipe.
The congress, held at Olomi Primary School, had proceeded peacefully with party faithful gathered to witness the emergence of new executives.
However, it was reported that violence erupted immediately after Prince Dotun Oladipo from Ward 8 in the Idi Ayunre sector was announced as the newly-elected chairman of the party in the local government.
The thugs, in their scores, started throwing stones at the APC officials conducting the exercise and the party leaders.
In the violence, many people, including old women, were injured.
The newly-elected youth leader of the party, Mr. Tunde Garuba, commenced his duty on a sad note, as he was reportedly brutally attacked by the thugs.
Leader of the party in the local government, Chief Adeyemo, was also hit by the stones and his car was badly damaged.
The newly-elected publicity secretary of the party in the local government, Mr. Saheed Akilapa, said “the peaceful congress was thrown into chaos, following a violent disruption carried out by a faction loyal to the honourable member representing Oluyole federal constituency, Tolu Akande-Sadipe.”
Akilapa said he saw a scene of confusion, as loyalists of Honourable Akande-Sadipe disrupted proceedings, threw stones and caused panic among attendees
The disruption, according to him, led to serious scuffles, leaving several party members injured.
He, however, praised the prompt response of security men and some party leaders who restored sanity and chased the thugs away.
Akilapa condemned the disruption and described it as unfortunate and avoidable, stating that party leaders present at the congress had immediately gone to lodge a formal complaint at the Sanyo Police Station in the area, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
“We conducted a peaceful congress, and the process was transparent until it was disrupted by a faction loyal to Honourable Sadipe against the faction loyal to the newly-elected chairman.
“Our leaders have taken the matter to the Sanyo Police Station, and those wounded are currently receiving treatment. We believe in due process and will allow the authorities to investigate the incident,” he said.
He called on party members to remain calm and united, urging all to embrace internal democracy and respect the outcome of the congress, describing the incident as a setback to party cohesion and “a glaring case of oppression and wickedness on the part of Hon. Sadipe who was elected to protect and defend her constituents.”
As of press time, efforts to reach Honourable Sadipe, who was not present at the congress, for comments, were unsuccessful.
