Aiyedatiwa’s Aide Emerges Ondo APC Chairman Amid INEC Absence

An aide to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Kolawole Babatunde, has emerged as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Ameachi’, was affirmed during the party’s state congress held in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was absent at the congress, which produced 36 new officials for the party.

A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, presided over by Justice Toyin Adegoke, had on Monday issued an ex parte order restraining INEC and the APC from proceeding with the congress, following an application filed by aggrieved party members.

The Ondo APC has been embroiled in internal crises in recent weeks, with reports of violence during the ward congress resulting in the death of three persons. The state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin, was also reportedly beaten and injured alongside other party chieftains during a stakeholders’ meeting.

Notably absent from the congress were the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, senators representing the state in the National Assembly, and members of the House of Representatives, except Jimi Odimayo, who represents Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

Babatunde previously represented Akoko Southwest/Southeast Federal Constituency in the 8th National Assembly. Until his emergence as chairman, he served as Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on party affairs and legislative matters.