Kosofe APC Crisis Eases as Obanikoro-Led Committee Brokers Truce
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The crisis within the Kosofe chapter of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State appears to be easing following the intervention of a reconciliation committee headed by Musiliu Obanikoro.
The committee, constituted by the Lagos APC leadership, was tasked with addressing internal disputes that had, over the past year, escalated into legal battles and public confrontations among party members in the local government.
Escalating Political Tensions
Prior to the intervention, Kosofe politics experienced heightened internal conflicts, with key actors filing petitions to anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alongside multiple court cases.
The situation marked a departure from the party’s traditionally less-public internal disagreements in the area.
Prominent stakeholders, including members of the APC Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Kosofe—Otunba Bushira Alebiosu and Omoba Ademuyiwa—as well as former Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunnimbe Mamora, were reportedly unable to contain the crisis at its peak.
Also affected were the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, and the lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency I, Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon, as shifting alliances deepened divisions within the party.
Tensions further escalated as supporters of Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, clashed with perceived opponents, leading to public exchanges and accusations.
Closed-Door Meeting, Early Gains
In a bid to restore unity, the Obanikoro-led committee convened a closed-door meeting involving key actors, including Chairman Moyosore Ogunlewe, councillors aligned with the council leadership (G4), and those loyal to the party establishment (G3) and APC stakeholders.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, sources indicate that the intervention is already yielding results. Councillor Oluwagbenga David, who had instituted legal action against the chairman over official vehicles and statutory entitlements, has reportedly had his official vehicle released.
Insiders also revealed that the committee urged all parties to embrace reconciliation and resolve grievances internally to prevent further escalation.
Warning of Higher-Level Intervention
Sources further disclosed that stakeholders were cautioned that failure to reach a peaceful resolution could attract the intervention of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to visit Lagos State in the coming days.
However, it remains unclear whether ongoing legal actions, including the case involving Councillor David, will be withdrawn, as negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Outlook
While tensions appear to be easing, political observers say the sustainability of the peace process will depend on the willingness of all factions to commit to genuine reconciliation.
The intervention by the Obanikoro committee marks a significant step toward restoring stability within the Kosofe APC, though developments remain under close watch.