The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed the swearing-in of its newly elected State Executive Committee members following the sudden death of the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Karamo Yesiro.
The inauguration, which was originally scheduled earlier, has now been moved to Friday and will take place at the party’s secretariat.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yesiro died on Wednesday evening, less than 24 hours after he was re-elected as the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary during the Lagos APC State Congress held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly known as Onikan Stadium.
Addressing members of the newly elected executive committee at the party secretariat on Acme Road in Ikeja, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi described the development as shocking.
Ojelabi extended the party’s condolences to the late official’s family, friends and political associates, praying for strength for his loved ones during the difficult period and for the repose of his soul.
He noted that Yesiro would be remembered for his loyalty and dedication to the party before announcing the decision to shift the swearing-in ceremony.
The chairman also urged party members to keep the deceased’s family and the party in their prayers.
Speaking at the secretariat, Setonji David, Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly and representative of Badagry Constituency II, described the loss as painful and unexpected.
According to him, Yesiro actively participated in the state congress just days earlier, making the news of his death even more shocking.
He prayed for God to give the bereaved family the strength to cope with the loss.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, also expressed deep sadness over the death of his deputy, describing the situation as devastating.
Oladejo explained that the party could not proceed with the planned inauguration in light of the tragic development.
He said Yesiro’s passion, dedication and commitment to progressive politics would be greatly missed.
Observers at the party secretariat reported that many APC leaders and members who had gathered for the swearing-in ceremony appeared stunned by the news, with several groups discussing the loss of the party official.
