V!olence Erupts at Ondo APC Secretariat as Stakeholders’ Meeting Turns Chaotic
Violence Erupts at Ondo APC Secretariat as Stakeholders’ Meeting Turns Chaotic
Tension gripped the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC on Tuesday following a violent disruption of a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s state secretariat in Akure during which a party chieftain, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, was reportedly assaulted by suspected political thugs.
According to Hon. Ijabiyi, the incident occurred shortly after a meeting convened by the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, to engage party stakeholders.
The State meeting was in preparation for the ward congresses taking place tomorrow and the stakeholders were to meet the officials of the party from Abuja who were to conduct the congresses.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gathering descended into chaos when hoodlums allegedly stormed the secretariat, issuing threats and chanting hostile slogans targeted at perceived enemies of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The assailants were heard shouting that only the governor’s supporters were welcome, warning others to leave or face consequences.
Hon. Ijabiyi who sustained fracture narrated that he narrowly escaped the mayhem by disguising himself as an aide assisting an injured elderly man out of the building. However, upon reaching the ground floor, he was reportedly attacked from behind, sustaining blows to his back and leg, while being verbally abused and labeled with politically charged slurs.
Describing the scene as “total mayhem,” he said the violence created panic among party members and visitors, forcing many to flee the premises for safety.
He condemned the attack as an assault on democratic engagement and internal party cohesion, warning that such actions, if unchecked, could destabilize the state’s political environment.
Hon. Ijabiyi added that the party Chairman, Engr. Adetimehin escaped into the office of the State Organizing Secretary and locked up the door. The thugs were still hitting the door with threats to destroy him when he left the hall.
The party Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin who was molested, beating and made to sit on the floor on the floor by the suspected members of the NURTW said he had notified the state governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the arrival of the party official from the headquarters and hinted him on the stakeholders meeting.
Engr. Adetimehin who narrated his ordeal with the hoodlums as pathetic, hinted that he notified the state commissioner of police about the stakeholders meeting.
Party leaders like Dr. Kola Ademujimi, a former chief of staff to Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Bode Sunmonu, a former state commissioner escaped with injuries and without their shoes while Barr. Sola Ajisafe was humiliated with beating with his clothes tattered.
Meanwhile Former commissioners, Rasheed Badmus and Saka Ogunleye scaled the fence to escape while Chief Nimbe Tawose ran for his life luckily escaping with a minor head injury.
Party stakeholders and concerned members have since called for an urgent investigation into the incident and decisive action against those responsible.
They also appealed to security agencies and party leadership at the national level to intervene promptly to prevent a recurrence, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that the incident underscores growing internal tensions within the Ondo APC and have urged leaders to prioritize dialogue, discipline, and inclusiveness to safeguard peace and democratic norms in the state.
