The Ondo State commander of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Idowu Asonja, is facing serious accusations from workers and community groups who are demanding an urgent probe into alleged salary diversion, abuse of office, and misconduct.

Workers Storm Palace Over Unpaid Wages

On Wednesday, aggrieved security personnel under Tantita marched to the palace of the Lisa of Idepe-Okitipupa, High Chief Adekanmi Adegbola, to protest what they described as two years of unpaid salaries.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as:

• “Two years without salary,”
• “No money to pay our children’s school fees,”
• “Tompolo should investigate Ondo Tantita boss for salary diversion.”

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, one of the affected workers, Dagunro Sola, appealed to Tantita CEO and ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo):

“We are begging you to intervene on behalf of Tantita staff in Ondo State who are yet to receive salaries for the past two years, before this December.”

The Lisa of Idepe-Okitipupa urged the workers to remain calm, assuring them he would mediate the matter.

Serious Allegations: Payroll Manipulation, Ghost Workers

The protesters accused Asonja of manipulating payroll records submitted to Tantita headquarters in Delta State. They alleged he:

• inserted ghost workers into the payroll,
• hired casual labourers to siphon operational funds, and
• diverted salaries meant for genuine staff.

They warned that if the issue is not resolved quickly, they will pursue legal action to recover unpaid wages.

Second Crisis: Youths Accuse Asonja of “Lawlessness” and Arson

The salary scandal is emerging alongside another tense situation in Ikale land. The Ikale Youth Representatives accused Asonja of leading armed men — allegedly including soldiers — to burn down the home of High Chief Ayodele Omodogbe after a confrontation linked to what the traditional authorities described as his “disruptive conduct”.

The group labelled Asonja’s actions as “sacrilegious and lawless,” alleging that he:

• insulted the revered Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, HRM Oba Michael Obatuga,
• abruptly ended a phone call with the monarch, viewed as a serious breach of protocol, and
• assaulted his own Chief Security Officer, Owoyele Omotuyi Joseph, during the weekend raid.

“Asonja’s arrogance is now a security threat. He terrorises residents with armed soldiers and has no respect for our traditional throne,” the youths stated.

Four Demands From Ikale Youth Representatives

The group issued four demands to Tantita headquarters and federal authorities:

1. Immediate withdrawal of soldiers allegedly deployed by Asonja to intimidate civilians.
2. Relocation of Tantita’s office from Okitipupa, arguing there are no oil pipeline assets in the town.
3. A public apology to the Jegun of Idepe for alleged royal desecration.
4. A full corruption probe into payroll fraud, ghost names, and diversion of operational funds.

They also claim genuine workers were denied salaries because Asonja submitted falsified personnel records to the Delta command.

“He has mobilised his media allies to twist facts, but we are prepared to submit evidence,” the youths vowed.

Tension Rising in Okitipupa

Tension remains high as workers, community leaders, and youth groups call on:

• Tompolo,
• the Nigerian Army, and
• federal authorities

to intervene before the situation escalates.

Protest leaders warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the crisis could worsen, describing current conditions as “an avoidable escalation waiting to happen.”