By Ayodele Oni
The leadership crisis rocking Owo local council area of Ondo State took a new dimension on Monday when a Councilor allegedly slapped the Council Union Chairman, Adene Adetunji.
Reports gathered reveal that workers and elected officials resumed at the secretariat amidst tension following rumour of a planned impeachment of the suspended council chairman, Tope Omolayo.
The festering leadership crisis degenerated into chaos, with reports of an assault on Adene Adetunji, the NULGE Chairman amidst a fresh plot to impeach the embattled council boss.
Eyewitnesses described a volatile scene as aggrieved Councilors, allegedly opposed to the return of the suspended chairman, converged on the secretariat in what many believe was a calculated move to initiate impeachment proceedings—even though the Chairman is yet to officially resume duties following his controversial suspension.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control when a heated confrontation broke out between council officials and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who were reportedly at the premises amid the unfolding political drama.
In the melee, Adenike Agbede, a Councilor, allegedly attacked the NULGE Chairman, slapping him and striking his right eye, an action that immediately sparked outrage and heightened tension within the council complex.
“The whole place became rowdy within minutes,” an eyewitness recounted. “People were shouting, pushing, and trying to take sides. It was complete chaos.”
Sources within the secretariat said the crisis stems from deep divisions among councilors over the leadership of the council, with a faction insisting on removing the chairman despite his unresolved suspension status
Staff members and onlookers reportedly fled for safety as the confrontation escalated, while security presence was said to be minimal at the early stage of the crisis.
The Legislative arm of Owo local government in Ondo State had suspended Tope Omolayo, the Chairman of the local government indefinitely for over three months now.
The suspension, which is with immediate effect, was over an alleged gross misconduct.
The suspension was part of the resolutions of the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Doyin Adebayo, at its sitting in Owo. The decision was passed by majority of the 11councillors in the Legislative Council.
According to the resolution signed by the two-third majority of the council Lawmakers, “the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.
“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.
“During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the Chairman of the Local Government Area Council. The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.”
Omolayo had denied the allegations and even reached out to apologize to the Olowo of Owo Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, whom he had earlier allegedly accused of making spurious financial demands from him.
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