Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye recounted on Wednesday how he survived an alleged assassination attempt in Ilesa.
Sources in the city said assailants, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, invaded the Groove Hill Hotel, owned by Mr. Owoeye in Ilesa, where he was staying, at around 2am, firing sporadically.
Although police said they were not aware of the incident, Owoeye said in a statement that the attack was repelled by his security elements.
“In the early morning of today, February 22, an attempt was made on my life. If it weren’t for divine Providence, history would have been different. I want to salute the security men who stood their ground to prevent my attackers from achieving their goal,” he said.
The speaker also said that an electrification project he carried out in his constituency was also damaged by the assailants.
“I was also informed this morning that an electrification project, which I have spent over N15 million on at Oke Aga, has been destroyed and riddled with bullets. I sympathize with the community that will be thrown into the dark because of this senseless policy,” the speaker added.
“The recent event in Osun is becoming worrying and needs proper attention from all well-meaning citizens. The return of political bullying after some 12 years of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Administration in the state now gives residents and citizens sleepless nights,” he said.
Owoeye accused the state government led by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) of fueling the insecurity crisis in the state.
“It will not be wrong to say that the change of direction in the state government has actually encouraged the return of that dark age in which citizens cannot sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.
The Speaker called for a proper investigation into the incident and other attacks in the state.
“Therefore, I have called on the police to investigate the attempt on my life, the gruesome murder of Alaro and others, with a view to ensuring that those involved are brought to Justice,” he called.
“I want to believe that such a heinous crime if not promptly investigated and the perpetrators could escalate an already tense situation that will lead to the collapse of law and order in the States before and during the next election,” he added.
“The Nigerian Police and other relevant security agencies must be seen to be alive to mandate the constitutional responsibility to protect life and property. A prompt investigation into the assassination attempt, murder and other acts of vandalism will serve as a deterrent to people who are bent on mistrusting the peace of our society.”
However, state police spokesman Yemisi Opalola said the agency was unaware Owoeye was involved in the incident.
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“We are not aware that the speaker’s residence has been attacked. The command is only aware of the attack on the leader of the House of Assembly, we are not aware of the attack on the president,” he said.
“One of the members, the leader of the House of Assembly was attacked but the name of the speaker was not mentioned. I’m not aware, the speaker hasn’t called me in regards to that.”