What was meant to be a gathering for youth engagement and political mobilization at the Oyo APC youth summit today degenerated into controversy as some party youths angrily disrupted the programme and forced out Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives and a scheduled keynote speaker at the event.
Hon. Fijabi’s ordeal was not unconnected to a now-trending video in which he openly commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for what he described as giant strides recorded by the Oyo State Government across key sectors. In the same video, the former lawmaker urged politicians across party lines to learn from governance styles that deliver results to the people, regardless of political affiliation.
Although Hon. Fijabi is a known member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his objective acknowledgment of good governance appeared to have angered some party youths who interpreted his comments as disloyalty. At the summit, chants demanding that he leave the venue erupted from a section of the crowd while he was seated. In a calm and mature response, Hon. Fijabi stood up, clearly prepared to leave in the interest of peace. While another section of the audience reportedly asked him to remain seated, he eventually exited the venue respectfully to prevent further escalation.
Observers have described the incident as a clear display of bitter and intolerant politics, particularly ironic given that Hon. Fijabi himself is a youth leader many within Oyo APC should ordinarily celebrate rather than ridicule. His political journey, legislative experience, and administrative competence have earned him respect beyond partisan boundaries.
Notably, Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier appointed Hon. Fijabi as Chairman of the Committee to Organize the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Oyo State — an appointment widely seen as merit-based and inclusive. Despite being fully aware of his APC affiliation, the governor reportedly chose Hon. Fijabi because of his capacity, experience, and ability to deliver on a historic state assignment. That decision reinforced the administration’s stance that competence and service to the state should supersede party politics.
Ironically, the same APC youth bloc that today booed Hon. Fijabi out of a summit is part of a political structure that frequently complains about exclusion, yet failed to appreciate inclusiveness and truth when it mattered. Political analysts argue that praising excellence in governance should not be viewed as betrayal but as a mark of maturity and statesmanship — qualities expected of leaders shaping the political future of Oyo State.
Many stakeholders have since described the incident as a self-inflicted wound by the APC, warning that alienating experienced, principled, and peace-loving politicians like Hon. Fijabi could cost the party dearly. Some PDP youth leaders and supporters have even suggested that if the APC continues to undervalue such assets, the opposition may find an opportunity to embrace and benefit from his political capital and credibility.
For Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, the episode further reinforces his image as a calm, principled leader who chooses peace over provocation and truth over partisan convenience. For the APC, however, the incident raises serious questions about internal tolerance, youth political education, and whether bitter politics is once again undermining strategic advantage.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: what the APC youth leadership failed to manage wisely may yet turn into a significant political gain for the PDP in Oyo State.
