The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire Ile-Ife community have been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of Hon. Rauf Adekunle Adeniji, popularly known as Congo, who served as the Director of Administration at the APC National Secretariat.
In an internal memo dated April 10, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagha Abel, the party announced the immediate closure of all party-related and administrative activities at the National Secretariat until Monday, April 14, 2025, in honour of the late Director.
“The National Secretary has approved the closure of the National Secretariat from all Party/work activities with immediate effect till Monday, 14th of April 2025,” the memo stated.
“This decision was made after he received the news of the sad demise of the Director of Administration, Late Hon. AbdulRaif Adekunle Adeniji, PhD.”
“You are advised to use this mourning period for sober reflection and prayers for the family and loved ones,” it concluded.
Dr. Adeniji reportedly died while still in captivity, just two hours after witnessing the brutal killing of a fellow captive—his close friend’s wife—who was reportedly unable to keep up with the kidnappers’ pace while being marched to their hideout.
The trauma of the killing, which occurred before his eyes and in the presence of her husband and son, severely affected him. His health quickly deteriorated, and he passed away in the kidnappers’ den, a source close to the bereaved families said.
Hon. Adeniji had been abducted in Abuja in late January 2025, alongside four others. The abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦350 million. A sum of ₦159 million was reportedly paid in hopes of securing their release. While the others were eventually freed, it was only after their return that the devastating news of Adeniji’s death became known.
His passing has come as a particularly painful blow—not only to his family and community but also to the APC and the wider political landscape.
Late Hon. Adeniji was appointed as the APC National Director of Administration in August 2024. He previously served as Chairman of Ife Central Local Government, where he earned the respect and admiration of his people for his dedication to public service and development.
Fondly called Congo by friends and associates, Hon. Adeniji was known for his passion for grassroots governance and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ile-Ife and Osun State.
The news of his untimely death has cast a pall of grief over Ile-Ife, with condolences pouring in from political associates, community leaders, and residents.
As the community mourns, prayers are being held for the peaceful repose of his soul and for strength and comfort for his surviving loved ones.
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