The chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Mr. Tope Omolayo, was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs on Monday following an unresolved dispute.
Omolayo, an elected member of the All Progressives Congress, had previously been suspended by councillors over allegations of misconduct. Reports indicate that tensions between him and members of the council persisted even after the suspension period ended.
According to eyewitness accounts, the chairman returned to the council secretariat to resume duties after about six months away when a group of suspected thugs stormed the premises. They allegedly attempted to prevent him from entering his office, which led to a confrontation that quickly escalated.
During the chaos, the attackers were said to have physically assaulted Omolayo, tore his clothes, and left him nearly naked. The situation caused panic within the secretariat, with staff and visitors fleeing for safety as gunshots were reportedly fired into the air.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that officers were promptly deployed to the scene to restore order. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, directed an immediate response to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He added that calm had since been restored, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the attack and identify those responsible.
Efforts to reach the council chairman for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not reachable at the time of filing this report.
