APC crisis deepens in Ibadan as Chief Sanda condemns alleged assault on Gafar Oyebade, calls for investigation, discipline, and urgent action.
APC crisis deepens in Ibadan
The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has taken a sharper turn following a strong reaction from party elder, Chief Timothy Olukunle Sanda, over the alleged assault on Gafar Oyebade at the party secretariat in Ibadan.
What began as a dispute over party structure in Lagelu Local Government Area has now escalated into a full-blown controversy—raising serious questions about discipline, leadership control, and internal unity within the party.
“It is a big shame” — Chief Sanda speaks
Reacting during a press briefing covered by IREPORT247NEWS, Chief Sanda did not mince words. He described the alleged incident as a disgrace, especially given the status of those involved.
“It is not proper for an Honourable, someone people are looking up to—to assault another person,” he said firmly.
Chief Sanda also expressed disappointment that such an incident allegedly happened in the presence of top party officials, including the state leadership.
“Oyebade told me he was invited to the secretariat and asked to come alone. I encouraged him to go because I never expected such a thing could happen there. It is a big shame,” he added.
What happened to Gafar Oyebade?
According to earlier reports, Gafar Oyebade, a prominent APC chieftain in Lagelu LGA, alleged that he was physically attacked during a party meeting at the Ibadan secretariat.
The disagreement was reportedly linked to the controversial secretary position in the local government chapter.
Oyebade claimed the situation escalated from a heated argument into a physical confrontation, which he said left him injured and in need of medical attention.
He specifically accused Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede (popularly known as Lafi), a member of the House of Representatives representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, of being responsible for the attack.
However, the lawmaker has denied the allegation, insisting that no such assault took place.
‘They held me down’ — Gafar Oyebade alleges APC assault in Ibadan (video)
“Do i have a nurse at home?” — Sanda reacts to rumours
As the controversy spread, rumours emerged suggesting that Oyebade received initial treatment at Chief Sanda’s residence.
Responding to this claim, the APC leader dismissed it outright.
“Some people said Oyebade bandaged his hand in my house—do I have a nurse at home?” he questioned.
He clarified that Oyebade was taken to the hospital for proper medical care and stressed that there is both medical and police documentation to support the claim that an incident occurred.
“There is a hospital report and a police report. These are facts that cannot be ignored,” he said.
Call for investigation and accountability
Chief Sanda called on relevant authorities to urgently investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
He emphasized that the party must not ignore such serious allegations if it hopes to maintain credibility among members and supporters.
“This matter must be properly investigated. The right thing must be done,” he stated.
His comments reflect growing concern within the APC over how internal disputes are being handled—especially when they escalate into alleged violence.
Lagelu crisis and leadership concerns
Beyond the alleged assault, Chief Sanda also drew attention to deeper structural issues within the APC in Lagelu LGA.
He called on the national leadership of the party to intervene and resolve ongoing disputes affecting the local chapter.
According to him, there is an urgent need for the National Executive Committee to step in and ensure that the remaining ten local government executives are sworn in without further delay.
“The national body must use its authority to correct things and restore order,” he said.
2027 politics: Akinyele’s turn declared
In a move that could shape future political alignments, Chief Sanda also addressed the issue of representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He reaffirmed the principle of rotation between Lagelu and Akinyele Local Government Areas for the House of Representatives seat.
“Everybody knows it is turn by turn. Lagelu does not have a candidate in 2027,” he declared.
He went further to state clearly that the next representative should come from Akinyele LGA—an assertion likely to trigger political debate among stakeholders.
Growing tension within Oyo APC
The situation involving Gafar Oyebade has exposed deeper cracks within the APC in Oyo State.
While the party has often projected unity publicly, insiders suggest that factional struggles at the grassroots level are intensifying—especially over leadership positions and political influence.
What happens next?
With conflicting accounts from those involved and increasing calls for accountability, attention is now on security agencies and party leadership to establish the truth.
For many, this is no longer just about one incident—it is about the image, discipline, and future of the APC in Oyo State.
Chief Sanda’s intervention has amplified the urgency of the situation, signaling that senior figures within the party are no longer willing to stay silent.
Click to watch video: Oyo APC: Chief Sanda speaks on alleged Gafar Oyebade–Lafi incident
About The Author
