The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Tope Omolayo, was on Monday allegedly assaulted by suspected thugs following an undisclosed dispute.
Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct, with tensions reportedly persisting between him and members of the council.
The incident occurred when the embattled chairman returned to the council secretariat after about six months of suspension in an attempt to resume duties.
Eyewitnesses said suspected thugs stormed the premises to stop him from gaining access to his office, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence.
“They beat him mercilessly, tore his clothes and left him almost naked. The entire secretariat was thrown into chaos as people ran for safety while the attackers fired shots into the air,” an eyewitness recounted.
Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that security personnel were promptly deployed to the scene to restore order.
Jimoh added that investigations had commenced to ascertain the cause of the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.