Veteran fuji star Abass Akande, widely known as Obesere, and members of his band were reportedly assaulted by suspected hoodlums on Friday during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
The attack occurred at the Government Field in Okitipupa, where the musician had been invited to perform for mourners and guests.
An eyewitness, Bosede Akinyemi, told The Nation that the situation turned chaotic when well-known local troublemakers stormed the venue and began attacking the performers, triggering panic among attendees.
“I was at the party yesterday (Friday). It was a very shameful act as the group of boys, who were known thugs in the community, caused trouble. They attacked Obesere and his band while they were entertaining guests,” Akinyemi said.
She went on to describe the damage inflicted, explaining, “They pounced on some of Obesere’s boys and destroyed his equipment. You needed to see how I grabbed my shoes and ran. I heard one of the band members was stabbed while trying to repel the attack,” noting that musical equipment worth millions was destroyed.
The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, confirmed the incident and condemned the violence, calling the treatment of Obesere and his musicians “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
Ogunsakin stressed that such behaviour does not represent the values of the Ikale people and promised firm action to prevent a repeat of similar incidents involving visitors to the area.
“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,” the Chairman assured.
