The inauguration of the Legislative Arm of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, descended into chaos on Thursday after some youths reportedly carted away the mace, the legislative symbol of authority.
The incident allegedly occurred under the directive of the council chairman, Lanre Oyegbola.
A viral 38-second video showed a scuffle among attendees, with councillors, dressed in white attire and yellow caps, the signature colors of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, at the center of the dispute.
Tensions reportedly flared after Moruf Erubami, representing Ward 15, emerged unopposed as Speaker of the 16-member legislative house and was sworn in.
However, the crisis erupted when other councillors insisted on electing principal officers through voting.
Sources disclosed that the house was sharply divided, with nine members opposing seven others.
It was gathered that Oyegbola, who was present at the event held at the council secretariat in Akomoje, allegedly attempted to influence the selection process, a move resisted by the majority group.
Shortly after the Speaker’s decoration and acceptance speech, police officers reportedly attached to the chairman began shooting sporadically in front of the chambers.
The atmosphere further degenerated when youths loyal to Oyegbola allegedly stormed the chambers and absconded with the mace, plunging the session into confusion.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other stakeholders in attendance were forced to flee for safety amidst the melee.
Speaking to journalists, Erubami accused Oyegbola of orchestrating the disruption. “We could not conclude the inauguration because they carted away the mace and dropped it inside the chairman’s patrol vehicle,” he said.
He added, “The chairman supported my emergence as Speaker, but there was a disagreement over other principal officers. Members insisted on voting to elect other officers, but the chairman wanted his loyalists to emerge.
“We, as legislators, have the prerogative to elect our leaders. The house is divided nine against seven, and the chairman is backing the minority group to prevent voting because they know we have the numbers.”
Attempts to reach Oyegbola for comments proved futile as he neither responded to calls nor messages.
Similarly, efforts to contact his media aide, Oluwakayode Ajibola, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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