The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, has died after reportedly collapsing during a party reconciliation meeting in Iyara, the local government headquarters.
Collapse at Reconciliation Meeting
Solomon reportedly collapsed on Friday, August 21, during the meeting, which was convened to resolve internal disagreements and promote unity among APC stakeholders in the area. He was said to have received medical attention at the venue before being taken to a hospital in Kabba, where he was reportedly confirmed dead on arrival.
The meeting was organised by former Ijumu LGA chairman Funsho Olumoko as part of efforts to reconcile factions and settle disputes ahead of future political engagements. Reports indicate that an earlier reconciliation session had ended in a deadlock over an alleged leadership crisis within the local APC, prompting Solomon, several party stakeholders and senior government officials to walk out of the meeting.
Friday's Follow-up Session
Friday's follow-up session was intended to bring together political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as government appointees representing all 15 wards in Ijumu. The meeting aimed to address the internal divisions that had stalled progress in the party.
The death has drawn condolences from federal lawmakers representing the area, including Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, and Hon. Salman Idris, representing the Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Lawmakers Pay Tribute
The lawmakers described Solomon as a loyal party member, committed grassroots mobiliser and contributor to the growth of the APC in Ijumu and Kogi West. Senator Karimi said: "He was a bridge builder, a man of peace, and a grassroots politician who believed in the ideals of the APC. His commitment, dedication and loyalty to the party were exemplary. His death is a painful loss not only to his immediate family and Ijumu LGA, but to the entire APC family in Kogi State."
The circumstances surrounding Solomon's death have not been independently confirmed. According to reports, the incident occurred during a session that was part of broader efforts to unify the party ahead of future political engagements. The loss is expected to impact ongoing reconciliation efforts in the local government area.
