Tension erupted in Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State on Monday as the council chairman, Tope Omolayo, was reportedly attacked and severely beaten by suspected thugs while attempting to resume office after months of suspension.

Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct, following a prolonged dispute with members of the legislative arm of the council.

According to eyewitness accounts, the embattled chairman arrived at the council secretariat in the early hours of Monday to officially resume duties after about six months away from office. However, the situation quickly spiraled into violence when a group of suspected thugs allegedly stormed the premises, attempting to block his entry.

The confrontation reportedly escalated into a physical assault, with Omolayo beaten, his clothes torn, and left in a humiliating condition. Panic gripped the secretariat as staff and visitors fled for safety amid reports of gunshots fired into the air by the attackers.

Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene following the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the command acted promptly to contain the situation.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, ordered immediate deployment of personnel and operational assets, restoring calm to the area.

Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Residents have also been urged to remain law-abiding and go about their daily activities without fear.

Efforts to reach Omolayo for comments proved unsuccessful, as his phone line remained switched off at the time of filing this report.