The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has suspended Mr Olumide Awolumate, the ward chairman of the party in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, for allegedly beating the state Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Development, Adebunmi Osadahun.
During a palliatives distribution in Arigidi Akoko on Sunday, the controversial chairman was shown in a video engaged in a free-for-all with the commissioner, allegedly causing injuries on the commissioner’s head.
In an interview with PUNCH on Monday, the state chairman of the party, Mr Ade Adetimehin, voiced his displeasure with the alleged attack on the commissioner and announced that the party would hold a meeting on the matter today (Monday).
He was quoted as saying:, “We don’t tolerate indiscipline in our party. The erring chairman would be suspended for being involved in such a public, embarrassing act.
“I have directed the party chairman in the local government to bring everybody to Akure today (Monday) and we will deliberate and appropriate sanction will be meted out where necessary. But, the ward chairman would be suspended.”
Similarly, Princess Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, Deputy Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has denounced the alleged assault on the commissioner. She urged the state police command to arrest and charge the APC chief.
The legislator said, “It is displeasing and barbaric to have viewed a video clip that surfaced and has caused pandemonium in the media space and Arigidi in Akoko Northwest of Ondo State following the directive of Ondo State Government on subsidy palliatives distribution across the state.
“The action of Mr. Awolumate Olumide on Hon. Adebunmi Osadahun is condemned and he should be arrested and made to face maximum disciplinary sanction by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police while the Attorney General of Ondo State should prosecute Mr. Olumide immediately.
“Assault on womenfolk should not be tolerated in any part of Ondo State and the country. Women deserve our caring in every situation because of their sensitive roles in society.”
