Suspected thugs on Monday attacked Tope Omolayo, chairman of
the Owo LGA of Ondo, and stripped him naked at the council secretariat in Owo
town, shortly after his return from a six-month suspension.
The council chairman was suspended for six months by members
of the LG legislative assembly over allegations that he insulted Ajibade
Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo, in a viral audio recording.
The audio, which sparked widespread outrage in the kingdom,
prompted Omolayo to issue a public apology in which he admitted his wrongdoing
and expressed remorse.
But the Olowo-in-council rejected the apology and, in a
statement issued in November 2025, declared him persona non grata in the Owo
Kingdom.
According to witnesses, Monday’s violence erupted when a
group of suspected hoodlums, believed to be loyal to the palace, confronted
Omolayo as soon as he stepped into the secretariat.
The assailants physically assaulted him, tore off his
clothes and fired gunshots into the air, sending workers and residents fleeing
in panic.
“The moment he stepped in, there was confusion everywhere.
Suddenly, some boys came in, attacked him and stripped him. People started
running when gunshots were fired,” a secretariat source told TheCable.
Omolayo, who survived the attack, identified some of his
assailants as individuals allegedly loyal to the palace.
He named one Kunle Odide and others known by aliases,
including Eko, Gentle, Festus, Akeem, Goldberg and Lastangle.
When contacted, Jimoh Abayomi, police spokesperson in Ondo,
confirmed that Adebowale Lawal, the commissioner of police, had immediately
deployed security personnel to the scene.
“The attention of the command has been drawn to this report.
Upon receipt, the commissioner of police, Ondo state command, promptly ordered
the immediate deployment of security personnel and operational assets to the
scene. This swift response has successfully restored calm and normalcy in the
area,” Abayomi said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the
full circumstances of the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“The commissioner of police, CP Adebowale Lawal, urges
residents of Ondo State to remain law-abiding and continue their lawful
activities without fear or apprehension,” he added.
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