31st October, 2021
By Akeem Abas
Mr Isaac Omodewu, a former Commissioner under the administration of the late former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State has emerged the consensus Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Omodewu emerged through consensus arrangement at the state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday after it was boycotted by some leaders of the party in the state.
The Congress was presided over by the Chairman of the State Congress Committee led by Gambo Lawan.
The congress had earlier been postponed more than two times over alleged irregularities and falsification of the delegates’ list.
Chief Akin Oke, the State Chairman of the party, had on Friday in a statement, raised alarm that the delegates’ list had been falsified.
Among those, who attended the congress that produced Omodewu as the chairman, were former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala; Sen. Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central); Asimiyu Alarape, a former Speaker of the State Assembly and some serving members of the State Assembly.
Omodewu, in his acceptance speech, said that the congress signalled the beginning of another chapter of the party in the state.
“I belong to no one, I belong to all members of our great party. My main task is to unite all tendencies within the party and lead APC to victory in 2023 general elections and beyond,” he said.
Meanwhile, some leaders of the party had earlier on Saturday at a news conference held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, described the congress as “a mere birthday celebration” , calling for its suspension.
The leaders were calling for the suspension of the congress over alleged falsification of the delegates’ list.
Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, who spoke on behalf of the leaders, appealed to the national leadership of the party to delay the state congress till when the authentic delegates’ list was provided.
Adeseun, flanked by other leaders, alleged that a serving senator and former governor were responsible for the falsification of the delegates’ list.