Olumide Awolumate, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akoko North West Ward 1, has spoken out about why he physically assaulted the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adebunmi Osadahun.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, shows Awolumate inflicting injuries on the Commissioner’s head during a palliative distribution event in Arigidi Akoko on Sunday.
Violent Clash Erupts in Ondo State Over Palliative Distribution
In a video released in response to public outrage, Awolumate attempted to explain his actions.
He said,
“I was at home playing a ludo game when the Commissioner for Women Affairs arrived in the company of her son, another individual, and a police officer.
“When they approached me, the police officer informed me that I was needed at the police station in Oke-Agbe. However, before I could respond or ask further questions, the Commissioner’s son attacked me. As you can see, he tore my clothes. As he was assaulting me, his mother also joined in beating me… That is the face of the police officer who wanted to arrest me.”
He claimed that he resorted to assaulting Commissioner Osadahun because he believed that the officer who requested his presence at the police station was not in proper police attire and failed to adequately identify himself.
However, his explanation has not appeased the public’s anger, as many continue to condemn the assault as unjustifiable.
Violent Assault During Subsidy Palliative Distribution Sparks Outrage in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, swiftly responded to the incident, denouncing the assault and confirming that Olumide Awolumate, the APC chieftain, has been arrested.
Odunlami-Omisanya further revealed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure.
The spokesperson said,
“The state government condemns in unequivocal terms the assault and bodily injury inflicted on the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Adebunmi Osadahun, by a man said to be a politician from Iye Akoko in the course of palliative distribution in Akoko North West local government. An investigation into the incident has begun, and the full weight of the law will be applied to the assailant if found guilty.
“We remind the public that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishments for offenders.
“There are better ways to seek redress or express concerns when necessary. In the distribution of palliatives, we will continue to do our best to reach the most vulnerable in our communities, and we ask for your understanding and support. We urge Ondo State residents to abide by the law at all times”