Chief Ayodele Omodogbe, the Oloja Apadehin of Idepe in Okitipupa, Ondo State, has accused Snr. High Chief Idowu Asonja, Ondo State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services, of orchestrating a violent night attack on his residence, burning down his cooperative finance office, and threatening the lives of his family.

Attack and Arson

According to Omodogbe, the events began on Sunday when he returned home to see Asonja leaving his neighborhood with about 10 armed men, including two soldiers, in two Hilux vehicles. Two associates of Asonja, identified as Ajabo and Gordi, were also present.

Residents informed Omodogbe that the men had broken into the home of one of Asonja’s workers and beaten him severely, causing panic in the community. When Omodogbe called Asonja to intervene, he allegedly received threats instead of de-escalation.

By 1 a.m., the attackers set fire to the monarch’s finance office, which housed cooperative membership cards, financial records, photographs, and about ₦200,000 in funds, destroying a POS machine and other valuables.

Threats to Life

Omodogbe claimed that Asonja openly boasted of responsibility for the fire, threatening that the monarch and his family were not safe, even in the presence of police officers who inspected the scene. He recorded audio and video of the confrontation.

He subsequently filed a complaint at Okitipupa Police Station and informed Oba Michael Obatuga, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, but went public after continuing death threats.

Tantita Security Services Response

In response, Tantita Security Services denied the allegations, calling them “entirely false, fabricated, and malicious.” The company described the report as a deliberate attempt to smear Asonja and suggested that parties involved in oil theft and illegal bunkering may be responsible for the claims.

Tantita urged the public to disregard the report, insisting no such incident occurred.