Governorship Primary Turns Violent: Ondo Commissioner Assaults Journalist

Tensions flared during the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ondo State as Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, allegedly physically assaulted senior reporter Tayo Ikujuni from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The incident happened around 11:45 am at Eji-Oba High School in Oba-Ile, where the Ward 9 election was taking place in Akure North Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses reported that Yusuf-Ogunleye punched Ikujuni, confiscated his cell phone, and instructed his political associates to seize all of the journalist’s electronic devices. Witnesses stated that the confrontation arose when Ikujuni asked about the arrival time of election materials, as vote counting had commenced.

Yusuf-Ogunleye reportedly berated the journalist, labeling him “useless” and “stupid” before ordering him to leave the premises.

Prompt intervention by party officials and security personnel prevented further physical harm to the journalist by political thugs.

When reached for comment, Commissioner Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye claimed that Ikujuni failed to produce proper identification when requested.

In response to the incident, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”

NUJ called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately suspend Commissioner Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye and initiate an investigation into the matter. The statement issued by NUJ emphasized the need for public officials to respect the role of media professionals and demanded an apology from the commissioner to Ikujuni and the wider media community.

NUJ further directed media outlets and professionals to suspend coverage of Commissioner Yusuf-Ogunleye until their demands are addressed.