Members of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, attacked the party’s Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, at the state secretariat.
The altercation occurred during a protest by disgruntled party members who were unhappy with Ojelabi’s handling of the ongoing leadership crisis in Alimosho Local Government.
The protesters, who had gathered at the APC Secretariat on Acme Road in Ikeja, confronted Ojelabi and physically assaulted him, even going so far as to remove his cap in a show of defiance.
The situation threatened to escalate further before security personnel intervened and rescued the Chairman from the mob.
The unrest was triggered by Ojelabi’s refusal to meet certain demands made by some party members.
The members had recommended that the state party leadership recognize former public office holders, including ex-lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly, as a way to address the disputes within the Alimosho chapter.
However, Ojelabi insisted that current officeholders must be included in any deliberations, which provoked the protesters.
The situation was diffused by the timely arrival of security operatives, who managed to control the crowd and ensure Ojelabi’s safety.
In response to the incident, Lagos APC spokesman Hon. Seye Oladejo described it as a minor disruption.
He said in a statement, “Our attention has been drawn to the news going round about a purported protest rocking Lagos APC.
“As much as this sensational piece of news might throw the opposition camp into premature celebration, the incident was a storm in a teacup.
“Since the resumption of office of the State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, he has continuously sought the peaceful co-existence of all party members in every cradle and cranny of the state.
“It is on record that he has, at various times, been able to successfully reconcile warring party members across board to ensure cohesion.
“The incident today was about a meeting convened to reconcile the different factions of the party in Alimosho local government area which was unfortunately infiltrated by uninvited thugs with ulterior motives.
“We appreciate the security agencies for promptly bringing the situation under control.
“The victory of the progressives in Lagos State since the inception of this dispensation has been due to life-changing policies by our responsive and responsible government and strict compliance with party discipline.
“Lagos State APC has a time-tested mechanism for settling disputes and will not hesitate to wield the big stick if need be. The sacrifices of the founding fathers of the party to engender democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of indiscipline and intolerance.
“We acknowledge protests as an integral part of democracy, but it has to be within acceptable norms without infringing on the rights of others.”
Watch the video below:
Lagos APC supporters beat the State Chairman at state secretariat pic.twitter.com/fMH5YEDAWG
— Tonye Barcanista (@TonyeBarcanista) June 24, 2024
