Suspected hoodlums on Monday attacked the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, stripping him naked at the council secretariat shortly after he resumed duty from a six-month suspension.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred at the Owo council secretariat, throwing the area into chaos as gunshots reportedly forced workers and residents to flee for safety.
Omolayo had earlier been suspended by the legislative arm of the council over allegations that he insulted the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, in a viral audio recording that sparked outrage across the ancient town.
Although the embattled chairman later apologised publicly, admitting wrongdoing and expressing remorse, the palace rejected his plea. In November 2025, the Olowo-in-Council declared him persona non grata in Owo Kingdom.
Eyewitnesses said the violence erupted immediately Omolayo arrived at the secretariat, as a group of suspected thugs allegedly loyal to the palace descended on him.
“One moment he stepped in, there was confusion. Some boys stormed the place, attacked him and stripped him naked. People started running when they began shooting into the air,” a source at the secretariat said.
The attackers were said to have physically assaulted the chairman, tearing off his clothes in the process, while sporadic gunshots heightened panic in the vicinity.
Omolayo, who survived the attack, reportedly identified some of his assailants, naming individuals including one Kunle Odide and others known by aliases such as Eko, Gentle, Festus, Akeem, Goldberg and Lastangle.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to restore order.
“The attention of the command has been drawn to the report. Upon receipt, the Commissioner of Police promptly ordered the deployment of officers and operational assets to the scene, and normalcy has been restored,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that investigations had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police also urged residents of the state to remain law-abiding and go about their lawful activities without fear.
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