Suspected political thugs on Saturday attacked the private residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, in the Asi area of Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident happened in Ibadan where vehicles and other valuables worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack.
The attackers reportedly stormed the residence and damaged several properties, including vehicles parked within the premises. The destruction caused panic in the neighbourhood as residents and party members present at the location tried to escape the violence.
Gbolarumi is known as a leader in one faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. Members of the faction had gathered at his residence on Are Avenue in the Bodija area when the incident occurred, as the group prepared to take part in the party’s state congress taking place across the country on the same day.
Information gathered showed that the attack at the residence was part of a series of violent incidents reported in different parts of Oyo State. Reports indicated that at least ten people sustained injuries during separate clashes that occurred in various locations.
Some of the affected areas included Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area. During the incidents, several vehicles were damaged while people present at the scenes sustained different levels of injuries.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that unknown hoodlums carried out the attack on the residence of the former deputy governor. He explained that the incident was not connected to the ongoing state congress of the party.
The police command said investigations had begun to determine those responsible for the attack. Authorities also assured residents that those involved would face legal action once they are identified.
Meanwhile, the chairman of one faction of the party in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, said the violence recorded in different locations left several people injured and caused damage to property. He disclosed that three vehicles were destroyed during the attack on Gbolarumi’s residence.
The development has increased tension within the party in the state as rival groups continue to struggle over control of party structures.
In a related development, some leaders of the PDP in Ogbomoso rejected attempts by certain individuals to organise separate congresses in the area and other parts of Oyo State. The party stakeholders warned that the formation of parallel executives would not be recognised.
They maintained that the party structure in the state remains under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde. According to the group, there were plans by some individuals to conduct unauthorised congresses to install factional executives in parts of the state.
The stakeholders called on party members to remain calm and avoid actions that could create division within the party.
They also warned that those attempting to destabilise the party should be ready to face the consequences of their actions while efforts continue to maintain unity within the organisation across Oyo State.