From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration, Bola Ilori, was attacked by hoodlums in Akure, Ondo State capital, yesterday.
Ilori, who was in Akure to represent Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at a public hearing on true federalism, organised for Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states by the APC committee on true federalism, was booed at the International Events Centre (Dome), venue of the public hearing, before he later escaped being lynched by suspected political thugs.
The commissioner had spoken at the public hearing shortly after leader of the delegation, Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji presented the state’s memorandum before the committee, led by Mrs Rachael Akpabio.
Although an indigene of Ondo State, Ilori had served as the special adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Environment and Sanitation and is presently commissioner for Regional Integration in Osun. Delegates from Ondo state at the public hearing booed Ilori when he made his presentation and eventually attacked him at the main entrance, on his way out of the hall where the public hearing held.
The thugs tore his white short sleeve shirt and underpants, while attempts to tear his trouser was resisted by his supporters, who chased the attackers away.
Security personnel at the event could not help the situation, as they could only watch the scenario unfold, until some top politicians prevailed on the thugs.
The attack on Ilori however brought the programme to an abrupt end.
The public hearing was attended by top APC members from the three states, including National Vice Chairman of the party, in the South west, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Ondo Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, Ondo chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin and his Ekiti counterpart, Chief Jide Awe.
Ilori, who spoke to newsmen after he was rescued, pointed fingers at some APC leaders in Ondo, as being behind the attack.
He said: “The aim of those who attacked me was to kill him, but, the mercy of God prevailed on me. They tore my clothes and made attempts to stab me but for the presence of my supporters. God loves me and He was the one who rescued me.”
But, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, alleged that Ilori came to the venue of the public hearing with weapons and charms, with intent “to cause crisis at the venue of the programme, having mobilised people from Osun state to the programme.
“It was an APC event, but, some people wore Oranmiyan clothes to the event and also carried Oranmiyan flags, with sticks in their hands. They came with weapons and charms. It was clear that they came to foment trouble at the event.
“Ilori seized a microphone from the organisers of the event. He was not the representative of Osun state but he seized the microphone after the leader of Osun team had spoken…” Olowolabi explained.
Describing the incident as a regrettable one, Olowolabi who advised Ilori to shun violence and thuggery, noted that Ondo State is a state of peace, adding that Governor Akeredolu believes in peace and also promotes peace.