The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has postponed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected state executive committee members following the demise of its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Karamo Yesiro.

The inauguration of the new state exco will now hold on Friday at the party secretariat.

The news of Mr Yesiro’s passing came on Wednesday barely 24 hours after his re-election as the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary at the Lagos State APC Congress held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium).

Addressing the newly elected APC state executive committee members who gathered at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, the APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, described Yesiro’s sudden death as shocking.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Lagos APC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, political associates, friends and supporters during this difficult time.

“We pray that Almighty God grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant  his soul eternal rest,” Mr Ojelabi said.

Mr Ojelabi said that the late Yesiro would be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the ruling party.

Before briefly announcing the postponement of the planned inauguration to Friday, Mr Ojelabi called for  prayers for the family of the deceased and the party.

Speaking at the party secretariat, Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly and member representing Badagry Constituency II, Setonji David, described Mr Yesiro’s death as tragic.

Mr David, who described Mr Yesiro’s death as most unfortunate, said he was a true party man.

“It is quite unfortunate. I didn’t hear about it until I got here. He (Yesiro) was there on the field with us at the state congress just last Tuesday. That is how ephemeral life is.

“It is quite unfortunate to lose him suddenly.I pray God grant his family fortitude to bear this loss,” the lawmaker said.

Also speaking, the APC Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the death of his assistant  was devastating.

Mr Oladejo said, “We cannot go ahead with the swearing in ceremony and inauguration of the newly elected party managers today again because of his demise.

“His death came at a time when his energy, commitment and passion for progressive politics were most needed. May God rest his soul.”

He added that the party stood united in mourning the painful departure of the late assistant publicity secretary.

Many party leaders and members for the inauguration were shocked by the news.

Many of them were seen standing in groups lamenting the loss of the party official.

(NAN)