Suspected political thugs on Saturday attacked the private residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, destroying vehicles and other valuables estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The incident occurred at Gbolarumi’s residence in the Asi area of Ibadan, within Ibadan North Local Government Area. The attack reportedly took place amid tensions surrounding the state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources said the hoodlums carried out coordinated assaults, leaving a trail of destruction at the property. At least ten persons were reported to have sustained varying degrees of injuries in related incidents across the state.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that investigations had commenced. The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the attack on the former deputy governor’s residence was being probed.
He, however, noted that preliminary findings suggested the incident might not be connected to the party’s state congress.
Meanwhile, a factional chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Abdulrahman Akinoso, disclosed that similar violent incidents were recorded in several locations, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele, and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.
According to him, no fewer than ten people were injured during the disturbances, while several vehicles were vandalised in different parts of the state.
Akinoso also revealed that three vehicles were damaged at Gbolarumi’s residence on Are Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where members of the faction had gathered for the congress exercise.
The violence has further heightened tension within the PDP in Oyo State as rival factions continue to struggle for control of the party’s structure.
In a related development, stakeholders of the PDP in Ogbomoso rejected attempts by some individuals to conduct what they described as unauthorised congresses and inaugurate factional executives in the area and other parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the stakeholders warned that any attempt to set up a parallel executive would not be recognised, insisting that the party structure in the state remains united under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.
They said they were aware of alleged secret plans by certain individuals to organise separate congresses aimed at installing factional party leaders.
The stakeholders cautioned that such moves could destabilise the party if not properly addressed and urged members to remain calm and avoid actions capable of creating division within the party.
