Gafar Oyebade recounts alleged APC secretariat assault in Ibadan, detailing injuries, threats, and internal party tensions as conflicting accounts deepen controversy.
The political atmosphere within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has come under fresh scrutiny following a dramatic account from APC chieftain in Lagelu Local Government Area, Hon. Gafar Oyebade.
Oyebade has publicly alleged that he was physically attacked during a party meeting in Ibadan by Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency.
Speaking during a press briefing attended and documented by IREPORT247NEWS, Gafar Oyebade delivered a first-hand narrative of what he described as a disturbing breakdown of order at the party’s secretariat.
His account, delivered both verbally and in a recorded video, paints a picture of rising tensions within the party at the grassroots level—tensions he believes are being downplayed in public discourse.
According to him, the meeting was initially convened to address lingering disagreements within the Lagelu Local Government chapter, particularly surrounding the contentious issue of the party’s secretary position. However, what was meant to be a forum for dialogue quickly deteriorated.
“I tried to speak on the matter, but I was repeatedly interrupted,” he said. “At some point, I insisted on being allowed to express my views, but that insistence appeared to trigger what followed.”
In his detailed account, Gafar Oyebade alleged that the disagreement escalated beyond verbal exchanges into physical confrontation.
He claimed that he was attacked openly in the presence of party leaders including, Oyo APC leadership, Moses Adeyemo Alake and a local government chairman, Taufiq Aroomale, alleging that their actions contributed to what he described as a coordinated attack.
What makes the allegation particularly serious is his insistence that the incident was not a spontaneous clash but involved multiple individuals.
ALSO READ: Oyo Police, Mogajis strengthen community policing in Ibadan to boost security
He stated that while the attack was ongoing, some persons present restrained him, leaving him unable to protect himself.
“I was held down while being beaten,” he said during the briefing. “This was not just a misunderstanding—it was a coordinated act.”
However, these claims remain allegations, as no official findings have yet confirmed his version of events.
Following the incident, Gafar Oyebade said he sustained visible injuries, including cuts on his lips and a serious injury to his hand, which he described as dislocated.
He was subsequently taken to the Police Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, through the intervention of security operatives, where he received medical treatment.
Beyond the physical injuries, he also expressed deep concern about his safety. In a moment that underscored the emotional weight of his experience, he made a public appeal for protection and intervention.
“Nigerians should help me. I should not suffer for speaking out,” he said. “There were statements made that made me fear for my life.”
He further claimed that he possesses evidence to substantiate his allegations and expressed readiness to present such materials during any formal investigation.
In response to the incident, legal action has already been initiated.
His legal counsel has reportedly submitted a petition to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The petition is expected to trigger an official review of the incident, including testimonies from all parties involved.
However, the situation has been complicated by strong denials from those accused. Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, who was mentioned in the allegations, has reportedly dismissed the claims, maintaining that no assault took place.
Another party member also stated that he did not witness any form of violence during the meeting.
These conflicting narratives have created a divide among party members and observers. While some have expressed concern over the seriousness of the allegations, others have urged caution, emphasizing the need for verified facts before drawing conclusions.
The controversy has also drawn attention to broader issues within the APC structure in Oyo State.
Despite repeated public assurances of unity, insiders suggest that internal divisions persist across several local government chapters.
These divisions are often linked to competition for influence, leadership roles, and future political positioning.
For many analysts, the situation involving Gafar Oyebade reflects a deeper structural challenge.
While disagreements are a normal part of political engagement, the escalation into alleged violence raises questions about internal conflict management and party discipline.
There have also been calls within the party for a renewed commitment to democratic principles.
Some stakeholders have stressed the importance of respectful dialogue and adherence to party rules, warning that unresolved conflicts could harm the party’s reputation.
The issue has extended beyond the meeting room into the digital space.
Under a video of the press briefing shared by IREPORT247NEWS, a social media user defended one of the accused, describing him as a person of integrity and dismissing the allegations as false.
Click the link for the video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GLzAPz2mQ/
In response, the media platform clarified that its report was based strictly on statements made publicly by Gafar Oyebade during the press conference.
It emphasized that the claims remain allegations and that all parties have the right to present their own accounts.