A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North West Local Government Area, Oyo State, has rejected the recent inauguration of Olusola Adekanbi as the party’s local government chairman, declaring the process an imposition by a minority group.
The conflict arises following a statewide exercise by the Oyo State APC leadership, chaired by Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, which inaugurated local government party executives in several areas. However, prominent chieftains in Ibadan North West have protested the outcome, affirming instead that Rahmon Ojuolape is the legitimate chairman, a result they claim emerged from a properly conducted congress.
In a formal protest letter addressed to state authorities, the dissenting faction, representing over 20 party elders and officials, detailed their objections. They argued that a small faction led by Alhaji Adewolu Oluokun, representing less than 25% of party members, manipulated the process to dominate party structures. The letter alleged that this faction secured 75% of ward executive positions, violating the party’s principles of rotation and inclusivity.
Central to their complaint is the conduct of the local government congress. According to the letter, the exercise was overseen by Mr. Ajuwon Yusuff and Mr. Olaitan Petter, with officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) in attendance. The faction claims only one consolidated list of candidates, produced under the influence of Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, was submitted a day before the congress, directly leading to Ojuolape’s emergence as chairman and Tajudeen Salako as secretary.
The protest letter highlights unresolved disputes in five wards—2, 3, 4, 7, and 11—where alternative lists were generated. It accuses faction leaders of ignoring these competing lists in favor of the minority-preferred slate. The group warned that failure to address the issue could escalate to the suspension of ward and local government meetings and activities.
They have demanded a thorough investigation into the congress, intervention to harmonize ward-level lists, and a commitment to fair representation.
When contacted, the Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, stated he was unaware of the protest and would investigate the matter. “I have not heard it. I am hearing it for the first time. It is strange to me, but if you allow me to investigate the matter, I will find out what is happening there. Then the party can issue a release if the need arises,” Sadare said.
This internal dispute underscores ongoing tensions within the APC in Oyo State, particularly as the party prepares for future electoral contests. The resolution of the Ibadan North West leadership crisis is now a test of the state party’s ability to manage grassroots conflicts and maintain cohesion. The state chairman’s office is expected to review the allegations, a process that could determine the party’s organizational unity in a key political stronghold.
