There was chaos at the Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State on Monday after the chairman of the council, Mr. Tope Omolayo, was allegedly attacked, beaten and stripped by suspected thugs while attempting to resume office after months of suspension.
Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct.
Although details of his disagreement with the elected councillors remain unclear, sources said tensions had been building for months before Monday’s violent confrontation.
The embattled chairman was said to have arrived at the council secretariat in the morning to officially resume duties after serving about six months of suspension when the suspected thugs allegedly stormed the premises to prevent him from entering his office.
An argument reportedly broke out, which quickly escalated into violence.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers descended heavily on Omolayo, beating him severely, tearing his clothes and leaving him nearly naked in full public view.
“They beat him mercilessly, tore his clothes and left him almost completely naked. It was an embarrassment. The entire secretariat went into commotion as people were running for safety while the thugs fired shots into the air,” an eyewitness recounted.
The incident reportedly threw the entire secretariat into panic as staff and visitors fled for safety amid the gunshots and confusion.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Command said it swiftly deployed officers to the scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, immediately ordered security reinforcement after receiving reports of the disturbance.
“The attention of the Command was drawn to this report. Upon receipt, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, promptly ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel and operational assets to the scene,” Jimoh said.
“This swift response has successfully restored calm and normalcy in the area.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring all involved to justice.”
Jimoh added that the Commissioner of Police had urged residents of the state to remain peaceful and continue their lawful activities without fear.
Attempts to reach Omolayo for comments were unsuccessful as his telephone line was switched off at the time of filing this report.
