Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has denied claims that he sponsored thugs to disrupt a stakeholders’ meeting at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat in Akure on Tuesday. The meeting, presided over by Ade Adetimehin, the state APC chairman, reportedly turned violent when armed men stormed the secretariat, injuring several party leaders.

Eyewitnesses said Adetimehin, Otito Atikase, a commissioner on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and former Sports Commissioner Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye were beaten and had to be rushed to hospitals for treatment. Some alleged that the attackers were acting on behalf of the governor, but Aiyedatiwa strongly dismissed the claims.

Speaking later at the secretariat, Aiyedatiwa explained that the meeting was initially scheduled for 10 a.m. but was shifted to 2 p.m. to accommodate his attendance. “I was informed of security threats around the secretariat and immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police to ensure proper protection,” he said.

He added, “Some miscreants, who supported different aspirants, attempted to create a fracas, which led to the disturbance. The police assured us that everyone would be protected, and the secretariat was secured before we arrived.”

The governor called on party members to stay calm and united as the ward congress approaches, emphasizing the importance of peaceful participation.

Chief Margaret Araruenu, Chairman of the Ward Congress Committee, also reassured members, stating that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the exercise would be conducted safely and without incident.

The clash highlights rising tensions among APC aspirants and their supporters in Ondo State. Political analysts warn that if unchecked, such incidents could threaten party cohesion ahead of critical ward-level elections.