Tension gripped Owo town in Ondo State on Monday after thugs allegedly attacked and stripped the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Tope Omolayo, naked upon his return to office.
The incident occurred at the council secretariat when Omolayo arrived to resume duties after a six-month suspension, sparking panic among workers and residents.
The crisis is linked to a long-running dispute stemming from his suspension in October 2025 by councillors over an alleged public insult against the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
The controversy followed a viral audio recording in which the chairman was accused of making disparaging remarks about the monarch—an act widely condemned in the community.
Despite issuing a public apology, the Olowo-in-Council had earlier declared him persona non grata, maintaining that his continued presence in office was unacceptable.
Eyewitnesses said Monday’s attack appeared to be a fallout of the unresolved crisis, with suspected hoodlums storming the premises, assaulting the chairman, tearing his clothes, and firing gunshots into the air.
“The moment he stepped in, there was confusion everywhere. Some boys came in, attacked him and stripped him. People started running when gunshots were fired,” a source said.
Omolayo, who survived the attack, alleged that some of the assailants were loyal to the palace, naming individuals he claimed were involved.
Reacting, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to restore order.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
He added that calm has been restored in the area and urged residents to remain law-abiding.
The incident highlights rising tensions in Owo over the unresolved leadership crisis, raising concerns about security and governance in the local government area.
By Fidelis David
