BEVERLY HILLS, October 03, (THEWILL) – Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Chancellor of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, were attacked by suspected thugs at the house of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Governor Obaseki and the other guests had attended the maiden convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the Oba of Lagos and the governor had gone to Comrade Oshiomhole’s house to honour an invitation for a lunch after the ceremony at the university.
“The former governor’s house is just opposite the university. Governor Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos and other guests had gone to Oshiomhole’s house for lunch when they were attacked by thugs led by one Romeo, said to be one of Oshiomhole’s nephews,” he said.
It took the intervention of the governor’s security to prevent a blood bath as several vehicles were smashed by the thugs.
Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki condemned the attack noting that it was shameful for such an attack to take place at the residence of the National Chairman of the ruling party in the state and at the national level.
He stressed that the resort to violence was inappropriate and an unfortunate incident.
“It is very unfortunate that we can’t feel safe in the house of our National Chairman.
“I am not sure that if I visit the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that they will attack me the way they did in the house of the APC National Chairman.”
“It is unfortunate that things have degenerated to this extent. But we will continue to pursue peace. We cannot afford to lose the gains of the last three years. We will continue to pursue peace,” he added.
However, Oshiomhole has linked the thugs who carried out the attack to the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, after the incident, Oshiomhole described the thugs as loyalists to Shaibu.
The statement narrated that tension in the community started on Friday when the deputy governor imported thugs into the community with a view to intimidate political opponents.
It added that during the convocation ceremony, the Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele who delivered a lecture, had called for calm when the thugs who had gained entrance into the school premises, started disturbing the public.
“Security agents helped to ensure peace before the event started. As a matter of fact, Comrade Oshiomhole left the event through the back so as to avoid being attacked by the thugs who laid siege at the entrance gate of the university.”
It further recounted the build-up to the attack, adding that; “the governor, the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Oshiomhole and other guests were already in the hall when at about 11:30 am, the deputy governor stormed the University with over 200 Okada riders and thugs.
“The deputy governor rode to the event in one of the motorcycles. Security operatives accosted them at the gate and refused them entrance. The thugs started threatening the security operatives who insisted the deputy governor can enter the venue but they will not allow the thugs to gain access.
“Following their threats the security operatives tear-gassed the thugs and the deputy governor; the thugs were dispersed while the deputy governor joined other dignitaries at the venue.
“This created tension already in the small community.
“After the event, Comrade Oshiomhole left instructions at the gate that he was expecting these respected leaders. So when the visitors came, the governor (Obaseki) drove in a bus with other officials but following the incident that occurred earlier where thugs sponsored by the deputy governor invaded the university, Iyamho youths barricaded the gate of the national chairman with a view to protecting him against any harm.
“These youths sighted Andrew Momodu, Osaigbovo Iyoha on the bus which conveyed the governor to Oshiomhole’s residence. They decided to stop them from entering the compound because these were the same people who led the thugs that attacked Oshiomhole’s residence in Benin City penultimate week.
“The thugs targeted the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole’s relations and friend and destroyed them. Thank God for the intervention of soldiers and other security operatives who came to restore peace.”
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