In a startling incident that unfolded in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, Mr. Olumide Awolumate, a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), shed light on the altercation that occurred between him and the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Juliana Osadahun. The confrontation transpired during the distribution of palliatives to the local community, resulting in injuries to the commissioner and Awolumate’s suspension from the party.
Awolumate clarified the sequence of events, asserting that the dispute arose when the commissioner, accompanied by her son, a police officer, and another individual, arrived at his residence with the intention of arresting him. He claimed that he did not resist arrest but found himself under attack from the commissioner’s son, who allegedly initiated the violence by beating him and tearing his clothes. Awolumate maintained that he had to defend himself.
The dispute originated during a local party meeting held at the residence of a party leader, Pa Akeju. At this gathering, discussions revolved around the distribution of palliatives to various sectors, and Awolumate, as the ward chairman, voiced his concern that the allocated bags of palliatives never reached him. He highlighted that different groups, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), artisans, and others, had received their share. Awolumate requested that his portion be sent to him, causing an argument to ensue. The commissioner, who chaired the committee responsible for palliative distribution, opposed his request.
This disagreement escalated, leading to Awolumate’s departure from the meeting. He claimed that he was at home, playing ludo with his family when the commissioner, accompanied by her son and a police officer, arrived. According to Awolumate, he was attacked from behind by the commissioner’s son and defended himself in the presence of his family and friends. He described how the situation escalated to include the commissioner, who joined the physical altercation, even throwing a chair.
The state chairman of the APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, addressed the incident, expressing the party’s stance on the matter. Adetimehin emphasized the party’s commitment to discipline and condemned any form of indiscipline. He announced that, following deliberations, Awolumate had been suspended from the party. Adetimehin also made it clear that the party would not tolerate violence against women, regardless of the circumstances.
Despite attempts to contact Commissioner Juliana Osadahun for her perspective on the incident, she remained unreachable, neither answering calls nor responding to text messages at the time of reporting.
