Ondo APC swears in Kolawole as new Chairman at rescheduled Congress amidst power sharing

A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Kolawole BABATUNDE has re-emerged the ONDO State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a rescheduled State Congress held today Wednesday March 11, 2026, at the International Cultural and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday successfully concluded its 2026 state congress, culminating in the swearing-in of its newly elected executives, in a demonstration of unity, organisation and democratic discipline.

The rescheduled Congress followed a peaceful meeting initiated by the party’s National leadership, where key positions in the party were shared among the key leaders including the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

ValidViewNetwork also gathered that the earlier litigation that led to the cancellation of the first State Congress, has been reportedly vacated.

It was gathered that the governor conceded seven positions to other leaders in the party.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were at the venue to monitor the latest Congress after they boycotted the first one held on March 3, 2026 following an interim order issued by the Federal High Court in Akure.

Representing Governor Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, described the congress as a significant moment for the party, noting that the orderly proceedings demonstrated the strength of the APC despite recent challenges.

He recalled that the party had faced a court injunction days earlier, which initially threatened to disrupt its activities.

ADVERTISEMENT

The governor commended the National Working Committee for swiftly setting up reconciliation mechanisms that brought aggrieved members and leaders on board, resolved disputes and led to the eventual vacation of the injunction, allowing the congress to proceed peacefully.

Aiyedatiwa praised party leaders and members for their understanding and commitment to unity, emphasising that disagreements were natural in a large political family, but what mattered most was the ability to resolve them amicably.

He expressed confidence in their ability to build on the achievements of the previous leadership, strengthen internal democracy, ensure fairness, justice and unity among members and advance the party’s development.

He further lauded the peaceful conduct of the congress, noting that it sent a positive signal about the discipline and organisation within the APC.

According to him, the orderly process reflected the party’s commitment to democratic values and internal stability.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, congratulated members of the party and described the congress as a reaffirmation of the APC’s shared values of progress, fairness and unity.

He said he was deeply honoured to serve as chairman of the exercise, describing it as a reflection of the party’s democratic strength.

Obiekwe said the congress represented the strength of the party’s enduring democracy and its collective resolve to build a political platform that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.

The chairman commended aspirants for their courage and commitment to service, stressing that leadership should be viewed as service rather than a title.

He urged the contestants to conduct themselves with maturity, respect and responsibility, adding that political competition should strengthen the party rather than divide it.

According to him, members must be prepared to work together for the greater good of democracy after the exercise.

Obiekwe also appreciated the presence of security agencies, party officials, and observers, noting that their cooperation was critical to the success of the congress.

“As we proceed, let us remember that the future of our party is bigger than any ambition. Let peace guide our actions, unity shape our decisions and progress remain our ultimate goal,” he said.

He expressed hope that the congress would produce leaders who would strengthen the party and position it for greater victories ahead.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, said the new leadership would leverage the wisdom of party leaders and the energy and dynamism of the youth to strengthen the party, particularly as it prepares for forthcoming elections.

Babatunde popularly known as Ameachi, promised to unite the party and ensure level playing field during the forthcoming party’s elections.

Kolawole assured members that under the leadership of the governor, the party would continue to grow stronger.

He said the party had enjoyed the support of the governor and pledged that the new leadership would build on that backing.

He added that he and other members of the state executive would work to unite all members of the party, stressing that there would be no faction within the party from now on.

Kolawole also promised that every member would be given a level playing field.

“My duty is very simple. It is to ensure that we work for the party and give the necessary support in ensuring that our agenda is realisable,” he said.

He described the development as a new dawn for the party in the state and appreciated members for attending the event.

The newly sworn-in executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State are Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde, State Chairman; Olabamidele Olanubi, State Deputy Chairman; Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye, State Secretary; and Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye, State Assistant Secretary. The zonal vice chairmen are Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro (I), Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa (II), and Hon. Bode Ikulala (III). Babalola Olutayo and Olugbenga Adebowale Olanipekun were elected State Legal Adviser and Assistant Legal Adviser, while Perebo Pesta Monde and Hon. Idowu Oniye occupy the roles of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Thalis Olonite Apalowo and Adedinni Tosin serve as Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary.

The organisational and publicity structure includes Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi, State Organising Secretary; Akinde Rotimi Vincent, Assistant Organising Secretary; Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode, Publicity Secretary; and Hon. Oyekan Durojaye, Assistant Publicity Secretary. Welfare positions were filled by Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun and Hon. Josephine Akinsiku. Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola and Smart Aribignola were elected Auditor and Assistant Auditor. Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy Iji and Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi are State Woman Leader and Assistant, while Adedeji Clement Opeyemi and Oladodonye Victor Gbenga are State Youth Leader and Assistant. Engr. Babatunde Igbalajobi is State Special Leader. Senior Youth Leader positions went to Oluwole Olugbode (I), Faloye Olarenwaju (II), and Oriade Abiodun Taofeek (III), while Senior Women Leader roles are held by Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe (I), Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare (II), and Funmileyi Omogbemi (III). The Ex-Officio members are Ijaleye Samson Olufemi, Sogo Ajikiola, Omosebi Toba, and Alhaji Fatai Olawale.