Aiyedatiwa Breaks Silence On Explosive APC Crisis Rocking Ondo State

His denial came after reports that armed men stormed the party secretariat during a pre-ward congress meeting led by the state APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with Punch claimed that several people were injured in the chaos, with reports suggesting that the state party chairman was assaulted. One witness, Yetunde Adeyanju, alleged that the attackers were acting on the governor’s behalf — an accusation Aiyedatiwa firmly rejected.

Another source told Punch that party leaders, including Adetimehin, Otito Atikase of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and former Commissioner for Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, were attacked during the disturbance. Those injured were reportedly taken to hospitals for medical treatment.

Addressing members of the Ward Congress Committee later that day at the party secretariat in Akure, Aiyedatiwa explained that the stakeholders’ meeting had originally been fixed for 10 a.m. but was rescheduled to 2 p.m. to accommodate his attendance.

He stated that upon receiving information about possible security threats at the secretariat, he immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police to ensure adequate protection.

According to the governor, he was informed that some miscreants loitering around the secretariat were sympathisers of certain aspirants contesting for party positions and had caused a disturbance among themselves, leading to the fracas. He added that the police assured him of adequate security deployment and secured the venue before the stakeholders’ meeting commenced.

Aiyedatiwa called on party members to remain calm and united as the ward congress approaches, emphasizing the importance of conducting the exercise peacefully.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Ward Congress Committee in the state, Margaret Araruenu, expressed optimism that the process would proceed without incident, noting that sufficient arrangements had been made.

The incident has further escalated tensions within the party in the state as preparations continue for the ward congress.