Politics
Comrade Lebile calls for peace as APC elders intervene in Ondo political tussle
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
10 Sep 2025 04:54 PM
Ilaje, Ondo – Comrade Emmanuel Seyi Lebile, a prominent political figure and former candidate for the Ondo State House of Assembly in the 2019 elections, has commended the intervention of political elders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in addressing the escalating political tension between Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Lebile, who contested to represent Ilaje Constituency II, hailed the elders’ efforts as a critical step toward fostering peace and reconciliation in the state’s political landscape.
The reported rift between Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Tunji-Ojo, two influential figures in Ondo State’s APC, has sparked concerns among party faithful and residents, particularly in the Ilaje and Ese-Odo areas, where political alignments have historically shaped electoral outcomes.
The tension, fueled by differing political interests and ambitions ahead of upcoming elections, has threatened to destabilize the APC’s unity in the state.
Lebile, a well-known advocate for development in Ilaje Constituency II, praised the APC elders for their timely mediation.
Lebile, who spoke in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Wednesday, urged both leaders to prioritize the welfare of Ondo State’s citizens over personal or political differences.
“The intervention of our respected elders in the APC is a commendable move. I call on Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Tunji-Ojo to embrace dialogue and reconciliation for the sake of our people and the progress of Ondo State,” Lebile stated.
The former assembly candidate, who resigned from the ZLP in 2019 to pursue his political aspirations under a new platform, emphasized the need for unity within the APC to address pressing issues such as poverty, marginalization, and underdevelopment in Ilaje Constituency II and beyond.
He reiterated his commitment to advocating for policies that promote economic opportunities and social welfare, echoing his 2019 campaign promises to support micro, small, and medium enterprises in the constituency.
While details of the elders’ intervention remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the mediation involved high-level meetings with stakeholders from Ilaje and Ese-Odo to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm the APC’s commitment to a united front.
The move comes at a critical time, as the party prepares for future elections and seeks to consolidate its influence in Ondo State following the defection of several PDP leaders from Ilaje Constituency I and II to the APC in 2024.
Lebile’s call for peace aligns with his longstanding advocacy for transformative governance in Ilaje.
In 2023, he urged the people of Ilaje to “think anew” to address poverty and failed representation, a message that continues to resonate with his supporters.
As a grassroots politician with strong ties to the community, Lebile’s endorsement of the APC elders’ efforts is seen as a boost to the party’s reconciliation process.
Political analysts suggest that resolving the Aiyedatiwa-Tunji-Ojo rift is crucial for the APC to maintain its dominance in Ondo State, particularly in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, where zoning arrangements and equitable representation remain contentious issues.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Ilaje Constituency II and the broader Ondo State await further developments, hopeful that the intervention will pave the way for a harmonious and progressive political environment.
Lebile, who contested to represent Ilaje Constituency II, hailed the elders’ efforts as a critical step toward fostering peace and reconciliation in the state’s political landscape.
The reported rift between Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Tunji-Ojo, two influential figures in Ondo State’s APC, has sparked concerns among party faithful and residents, particularly in the Ilaje and Ese-Odo areas, where political alignments have historically shaped electoral outcomes.
The tension, fueled by differing political interests and ambitions ahead of upcoming elections, has threatened to destabilize the APC’s unity in the state.
Lebile, a well-known advocate for development in Ilaje Constituency II, praised the APC elders for their timely mediation.
Lebile, who spoke in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Wednesday, urged both leaders to prioritize the welfare of Ondo State’s citizens over personal or political differences.
“The intervention of our respected elders in the APC is a commendable move. I call on Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Tunji-Ojo to embrace dialogue and reconciliation for the sake of our people and the progress of Ondo State,” Lebile stated.
The former assembly candidate, who resigned from the ZLP in 2019 to pursue his political aspirations under a new platform, emphasized the need for unity within the APC to address pressing issues such as poverty, marginalization, and underdevelopment in Ilaje Constituency II and beyond.
He reiterated his commitment to advocating for policies that promote economic opportunities and social welfare, echoing his 2019 campaign promises to support micro, small, and medium enterprises in the constituency.
While details of the elders’ intervention remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the mediation involved high-level meetings with stakeholders from Ilaje and Ese-Odo to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm the APC’s commitment to a united front.
The move comes at a critical time, as the party prepares for future elections and seeks to consolidate its influence in Ondo State following the defection of several PDP leaders from Ilaje Constituency I and II to the APC in 2024.
Lebile’s call for peace aligns with his longstanding advocacy for transformative governance in Ilaje.
In 2023, he urged the people of Ilaje to “think anew” to address poverty and failed representation, a message that continues to resonate with his supporters.
As a grassroots politician with strong ties to the community, Lebile’s endorsement of the APC elders’ efforts is seen as a boost to the party’s reconciliation process.
Political analysts suggest that resolving the Aiyedatiwa-Tunji-Ojo rift is crucial for the APC to maintain its dominance in Ondo State, particularly in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, where zoning arrangements and equitable representation remain contentious issues.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Ilaje Constituency II and the broader Ondo State await further developments, hopeful that the intervention will pave the way for a harmonious and progressive political environment.
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