.jpeg){kind=link}
The Akure Ambush: "They Beat Me Mercilessly"
On Tuesday morning, party leaders gathered at the APC secretariat in Akure to prepare for the upcoming ward congresses. According to the State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the meeting had been sanctioned by the national secretariat and discussed with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa just hours prior.
However, shortly after 12:30 p.m., the hall was reportedly invaded by individuals identified by witnesses as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Upon storming the building, Adetimehin was specifically targeted. He recounted a harrowing ordeal where he was dragged from the conference hall to the ground floor and "beaten blue-black." In the chaos, the Chairman’s two mobile phones, his wristwatch, and cash were forcibly taken.
The violence wasn't reserved for the Chairman alone. His personal driver was beaten , and several high-ranking officials. Chieftains at the scene alleged the attackers shouted that "the Governor owns the party" while demanding that no congress take place.
The Governor of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has moved swiftly to distance himself from the incident. Speaking late Tuesday night after a rescheduled meeting, the Governor described the allegations of his involvement as "ludicrous".
Chairman Aiyedatiwa’s camp claims the violence was the work of "miscreants" supporting rival aspirants. The Governor explained that he had requested the meeting be moved to 2:00 p.m. so he could attend a cabinet member's 50th birthday party, suggesting the morning gathering was not "officially recognized".
"APC is a family, and I could not have authorized the beating or injury of family members," - the Governor stated, adding that some leaders are suffering from an "inferiority complex" regarding his leadership.