Ijumu APC Chairman Oyewole Mayowa Solomon Dies After Collapsing at Party Reconciliation Meeting in Iyara

 

         City Pulse News Staff Writer

August 22, 2026

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State is mourning the sudden death of its local government chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon. The respected party leader collapsed on Friday during a reconciliation meeting at Iyara Town Hall, the administrative headquarters of the LGA, and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Kabba.

Eyewitnesses reported that Solomon was actively taking part in the proceedings when he suddenly slumped. Party members and stakeholders present immediately attempted to assist him with first aid before rushing him for medical attention. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the facility in neighbouring Kabba. The precise cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

The meeting had been convened by former Ijumu Local Government chairman Funsho Olumoko. It aimed to foster unity, resolve internal differences, and strengthen party cohesion among stakeholders ahead of future political activities, including preparations for the 2027 general elections. Participants included local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, government appointees, and representatives from all 15 wards of the LGA.

This gathering followed an earlier stakeholders’ meeting in Iyara earlier in August, where APC members in the area endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election. That session, however, experienced friction over issues related to local government leadership structures. Reports indicated that Solomon and some other officials walked out amid the disagreements, leaving certain matters unresolved. Friday’s session was intended as a follow-up to bridge those divides and promote greater harmony within the party in Ijumu.

Solomon’s death has left participants and party leaders in deep shock. Federal lawmakers representing the area, including Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West Senatorial District) and Hon. Salman Idris (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), have expressed profound sorrow. They described the late chairman as a loyal, committed, and effective grassroots mobiliser whose efforts contributed significantly to the growth of the APC in Ijumu and the wider Kogi West zone. They praised him as a bridge-builder and man of peace who believed strongly in the party’s ideals.

Other voices within the party have similarly highlighted Solomon’s energy, passion, and dedication as a young and dependable leader whose contributions to party stability will be difficult to replace. His passing is expected to temporarily affect ongoing reconciliation efforts in the local chapter as stakeholders process the loss.

As the APC family in Ijumu and across Kogi State comes to terms with this tragedy, tributes continue to pour in for a leader who was actively working to unite the party at a critical time. Further details on funeral arrangements and official statements from state party leadership are awaited.

— City Pulse News