How Lagos PDP boss, Aivoji, was kidnapped; Pray for him, party’s scribe urges

By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, Jan. 26, 2024

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene promptly and secure the release of its abducted Chairman, Mr. Philip Aivoji.

The Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode said in a statement on Friday that Aivoji was abducted by unknown kidnappers on Thursday.

“Aivoji was abducted on Thursday, Jan. 25 at about 6.00 p.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo State convened by Gov. Seyi Makinde and Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun.

“It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.

“The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace.

“Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown.

“We implore the governments of Oyo State, Ogun, and Lagos State alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers,” he said.

The PDP spokesman said that with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji would be rescued from the criminals.

“We call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives,” he said

Similarly, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, the PDP 2023 governorship candidate, who expressed shock over the news of the kidnapping of the party chairman, demanded urgent action against insecurity.

Adediran, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye, recounted that Aivoji and some other members of the party were kidnapped while on their way from a party function in Ibadan on Thursday.

He described the incident as unfortunate and a disturbing dimension to the growing insecurity in the country, especially in the south western part of the country.

According to him, the government must intensify efforts in the area of security to end putting the lives of the citizens in grave danger.

“We demand urgent action from the security agencies to facilitate immediate release of the abducted party chairman.

“We also advise that the regional local security outfit, Amotekun, should collaborate with the police in this rescue mission,” Adediran said.

He prayed for divine intervention as he enjoined the party faithful not to despair but to keep praying for the speedy release of the kidnapped chairman and others.

Similarly, the Lagos State PDP State Secretary, Mr. Soji Orioye, has, on behalf of the party, also called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene promptly and secure the release of Mr. Aivoji.

Orioye, who made this plea in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the abducted chairman was elderly and frail and believes the abduction of Aivoji will not be treated with levity by the relevant authorities.

“Hon. Philip Olabode Aivoji is an elderly man of age and frail. To this end, we are using this opportunity to solicit your prayers and intervention in anyway to facilitate his safe release from his abductors for a healthy reunion with his family.

“As one of the important political leaders in Lagos state, we believe the abduction of Hon. Phillip Aivoji should not be treated with levity.

“We, therefore, call on the security agencies for quick intervention for his safe release as this will further build the confidence of the people in the success of our security apparatus.

“We are by this release imploring the good people of Lagos state and the South-West zone to continue to put him in prayers for God to quickly intervene and ensure that Hon. Phillip Aivoji, the Lagos State PDP Chairman is released safely to his family,” he said.

Orioye said that Aivoji was abducted by gunmen while returning to Lagos from the PDP South-West Stakeholders meeting held on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said that the abduction was witnessed by Chief Wole Adedapo, the State Treasurer of the party, who was lucky to escape from being abducted.