Suspected thugs on Friday attacked fuji music star Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The incident occurred at the Government Field, Okitipupa, where the musician and his band were billed to entertain guests, who came for the burial.
A witness at the event, Mrs Bosede Akinyemi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, told The Nation that the thugs stormed the venue unexpectedly and unleashed violence, causing guests to scamper into safety.
“I was at the party yesterday (Friday). It was a very shameful scene as a group of boys known for violent acts in the community fomented trouble. They attacked Obesere and his band while they were entertaining guests,” she said.
Akinyemi added that some members of the band were assaulted while the hoodlums vandalised musical equipment worth millions of naira.
“You needed to see how I grabbed my shoes and ran.
“I heard that one of the band members was stabbed while trying to repel the attack,” she added.
The music star could not be reached for comments at press time yesterday.
The Chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, who confirmed the attack, described it as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
He condemned hooliganism, insisting that such behaviour does not reflect the values of Ikale people.
“I received the news of the unfortunate mistreatment meted out to Abass Akande Obesere and his team with deep disappointment and utmost distaste.
“This incident is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold as a people,” he said.
He said his administration will not tolerate actions that undermine the collective harmony and reputation of the community, assuring that measures would be taken to forestall a reoccurrence.
“I want to assure the public that necessary steps will be taken to address this matter and prevent future occurrences, whether toward artists, celebrities, entertainers or any individual visiting or residing in our local government.
“I will be personally reaching out to Obesere and his team to convey our regrets.
“We are looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,” he added.
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