A high-stakes unity meeting involving prominent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA) on Sunday successfully resolved internal conflicts, demanding an immediate cessation of all negative media outbursts among party members.
The meeting, which also addressed the intensifying political agitation for the Kwara South Senatorial seat, stressed the need for collective action to drive development.
The gathering, convened by the Asiwaju of Oko-Irese, Engr. Dr. J.B.O. Adewumi, drew prominent stakeholders and political office holders across the Irepodun Constituency, including federal and state legislators.
Speaking at the gathering, the Convener, Engr. Dr. Adewumi stressed that the aim of the meeting was crucial to foster unity, which he identified as the foundation for development and for tackling issues like poverty.
“There cannot be development in an atmosphere where there is rancor and fighting. It is only when there is unity, there is understanding and respect among us that we can make progress,” He said.
Adewumi added that the meeting was a follow up to ratified resolutions from a previous gathering on unwarranted media attacks brewing disunity.
Contributing to the deliberations, Major General Olayemi Lasisi Abidoye (Rtd), commended the Kwara State Government for the visible infrastructural developments across the state.
He stressed that unity remains paramount to unlocking further opportunities for the betterment of the people within the constituency.
Speaking also, the Irepodun Local Government Executive Chairman, Hon. Abdulazeez Yakubu Tinuola, thanked the stakeholders for their all-time support, specifically commending the Convener, Engr. Dr. Adewumi, for his patriotism in his quest to always champion the best courses for Irepodun.
Tinuola seized the opportunity to reiterate his commitments to always carry relevant stakeholders along in major decisions concerning the development of the Local Government.
Rt. Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, member representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency while speaking journalists downplayed the internal party conflicts, describing them merely as pockets of crisis born out of misunderstanding and lack of communication.
He further labeled the political campaign for the Igbomina Senate seat (“Igbomina Lokan”) as a “healthy agitation,” noting that such aspirations should not be allowed to divide the various ethnic groups in Kwara South.
On his part, APC Stalwart and moderator of the gathering, Chief Raheem Adedoyin Oloriewe, affirmed the dominance of the ruling party in the State and the focus on collective interest.
APC is the dominant party in Kwara state, and once we get things right in our own fold, we know Kwara will get it right,” Oloriewe said.
He added that while individuals have the constitutional right to pursue ambitions for offices like Governor or Senator, the decision must ultimately serve the collective interests of the Local Government and Kwara South.
Resolutions achieved during the gathering agreed that all negative media outbursts or negative media statements should cease immediately, with leaders of warring groups held accountable for any further disruption.
Stakeholders also agreed that elected and appointed officials must ensure adequate consultation on party matters and work within the framework of the party constitution.
Similarly, party leaders and elders were urged to unite and provide leadership to prevent further disruption.
Earlier during the gathering, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the deceased grassroots politician, Hon. Otunba Abdulganiyu Zubair (Ganzy).
Other dignitaries present included the Irepodun APC Chairwoman, Hon. Kazeem Rasheedat, Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Science, Ila Orangun (FUHSI), Prof. Wale Sulaiman CON, Member representing Irepodun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Shola Odetundun, Irepodun Development Officer, Hon. Felix Awodiji, among others.
