On Monday, there was an incident at the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) where party members beat the Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, at the state secretariat. The attack took place during a protest by dissatisfied party members who were unhappy with Ojelabi’s handling of the leadership crisis in Alimosho Local Government. The protesters gathered at the APC Secretariat in Ikeja and confronted Ojelabi, resorting to physical assault and even removing his cap as a sign of defiance.
The situation had the potential to escalate further, but security personnel intervened and rescued the Chairman from the angry mob. The unrest stemmed from Ojelabi’s refusal to meet certain demands put forth by some party members. The party members had suggested that the leadership of the state party should acknowledge former public office holders, such as former lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly, as a means to resolve the conflicts within the Alimosho chapter.
Nevertheless, Ojelabi stood firm in his position, stating that ongoing officeholders should be part of any discussions, which further angered the protesters. Fortunately, security personnel arrived promptly, diffusing the situation and ensuring Ojelabi’s well-being. In reaction to the incident, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the spokesperson for Lagos APC, downplayed it as a minor disturbance.
He stated, “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.
He added, “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.”
 where party members beat the Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, at the state secretariat.){kind=link}