Youths in Ikale land, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have called for the relocation of the Tantita Security Services office from their community, accusing the organisation’s Ondo Coordinator, Idowu Asonja, of arson, intimidation, and abuse of power.
Operating under the banner of Ikale Youth Representatives, the group released a statement on Wednesday condemning Asonja’s alleged actions, describing them as “sacrilegious, lawless, and unbecoming of anyone holding public responsibility.”
Youths Accuse Asonja of Leading Armed Attack
According to the statement, the crisis began over the weekend after Asonja allegedly led armed men—including individuals believed to be soldiers—to the residence of the Oloja Apadehin of Idepe, High Chief Ayodele Omodogbe.
The group claimed the high chief had earlier confronted Asonja about activities he considered disruptive to the peace of the community. The youths further alleged that Asonja and his entourage assaulted his own aide and Chief Security Officer, Owoyele Omotuyi Joseph, heightening fear in the area.
Alleged Disrespect Toward Traditional Ruler
The Ikale youths accused the coordinator of “committing sacrilege” by insulting traditional authority and showing blatant disregard for the community’s revered customs.
They said Asonja ignored a peace call from His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Obatuga, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa and a first-class monarch in Ondo State. According to the group, he even ended a phone conversation abruptly while speaking with the king.
“Asonja’s arrogance and abuse of power are now threats to peace. He moves around with illegal soldiers and shows no respect for our traditional institutions,” the youth representatives stated.
Ikale Youths Make Four Key Demands
The group outlined several actions they want implemented immediately:
- Withdrawal of soldiers allegedly accompanying Asonja to intimidate civilians.
- Relocation of Tantita’s office from Okitipupa to a riverine mandate area, insisting there are no pipelines in Ikale land.
- A public apology from Asonja to the Jegun of Idepe for what they described as disrespect to the throne.
- A full investigation by Tantita leader, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), into alleged corruption, including claims that Asonja submitted ghost names to the headquarters while hiring casual workers to divert funds.
They also alleged that salary arrears owed to legitimate workers stemmed from “manipulations and a fraudulent staff list” attributed to the coordinator.
Community Warns Against Escalation
The youths said they are prepared to provide evidence to back their claims, accusing Asonja of recruiting media allies to “twist the story” and evade accountability.
“We stand united and will not allow anyone to oppress our community or disrespect our monarchs,” the statement read.
They called on Tompolo, the Nigerian Army, and other authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further unrest and restore peace to the area.
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