The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has been thrown into mourning following the death of its chairman in Ijumu Local Government Area, Oyewole Solomon.
Solomon reportedly collapsed on Friday while attending a reconciliation meeting at the Iyara Town Hall, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area.
He was said to have been rushed to a medical facility in neighbouring Kabba after the incident, but was later pronounced dead. The cause of his death has not been officially established.
Confirming the death, Kogi State APC Chairman, Aliyu Ezzu, described Solomon as a dedicated party leader whose contributions to the growth and unity of the party in Ijumu would remain significant.
Ezzu, in a condolence message, said Solomon’s sudden death had left the APC family in Ijumu and across the state shocked and saddened.
He commiserated with Governor Usman Ododo, the people of Ijumu, Solomon’s family and friends, as well as members and supporters of the APC.
According to him, the late chairman played an important role in strengthening the party and promoting unity among its members in the local government.
Ezzu urged party members to remain calm and united while mourning the deceased, while praying for strength and comfort for his family and the wider APC family.
The meeting where Solomon reportedly collapsed was organised as part of efforts to resolve disagreements within the party, reconcile different interests and promote greater unity among APC stakeholders ahead of future political activities.
The initiative was reportedly convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, following a mandate from the Ijumu Consultative Forum.
The incident reportedly caused confusion among political leaders and delegates present at the meeting before Solomon was taken to the medical facility.
Meanwhile, APC executives in Ijumu have also expressed grief over the death, describing it as sudden and devastating.
In a condolence message signed by the party’s General Secretary, Joshua Oshatoba, the executives said Solomon died while actively contributing to the affairs and future plans of the party.
They described him as a committed leader who served with dedication, courage and a strong sense of responsibility.
The executives said his death was a major loss to his family, the APC, Ijumu Local Government and the wider Ijumu community, noting that he remained involved in party activities until his death.
They said his legacy of service and commitment would remain a source of consolation to those he left behind.
The member representing Ijumu Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Omotayo Ishaya, also mourned the late party chairman.
Ishaya described Solomon as a committed party member and brother whose contributions to the political development and unity of Ijumu would not be forgotten.
She said his passing was a painful and irreparable loss to his family, the APC, the people of Ogale Aduge and the entire Ijumu Constituency.
Solomon’s death has further cast a shadow over ongoing efforts by APC leaders to reconcile factions and settle internal disagreements in Ijumu.
While tributes continue to pour in from party members and political stakeholders, details surrounding the circumstances of his sudden collapse and the exact cause of death remain unknown pending further clarification from relevant authorities.
