Popular Fuji musician Abass Akande, professionally known as Obesere, has urged the Ondo State Government to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the individuals alleged to have assaulted him and damaged his musical equipment in the state.
According to reports, certain suspected miscreants allegedly attacked the musician in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Friday.
In a statement issued by the artiste’s media manager, Ayonla Althentic, and published on the Facebook page of Sidophonia Progressive F.C. on Sunday, the musician expressed deep concern over the incident and called on relevant authorities to take decisive action to prevent similar occurrences.
The statement read in part:
“Following the completion of Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere’s (Papa’s) performance and while preparations were underway for our departure, multiple groups of touts converged on the vicinity.
“One group approached my position because I was holding the proceeds from the event. Despite our attempts to exit the venue peacefully, we were aggressively confronted. The individuals demanded that I surrender the bag. My refusal led to a physical confrontation.
“In the course of the incident, I sustained bodily harm and significant pain. The assailants ultimately dispossessed me of the bag. Simultaneously, another group continued to harass Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, despite his efforts to calm the situation. I subsequently escorted him to our vehicle, and we left to ensure our safety and seek medical attention.
“We condemn this unlawful and violent conduct in the strongest terms. Such actions against performers, their teams, or attendees at a burial ceremony are wholly unacceptable.
“We call upon the appropriate authorities to identify and prosecute all responsible persons and to implement measures that will prevent the recurrence of similar incidents at public events.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka, stated that he was unable to confirm the report, noting that he had no prior knowledge of the incident.
Similarly, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area, Andrew Ogunsakin, described the incident as regrettable and unacceptable, and pledged to ensure accountability.
His statement reads:
“I received with great disappointment the report of the unfortunate treatment meted out to Abass Akande Obesere and his team at the Government Field, Okitipupa. Such conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect our community values.
“I assure the public that appropriate measures will be taken to address this matter and to prevent a recurrence, whether involving artists, entertainers, or any individual within our local government area.
“I will be reaching out personally to Obesere and his team to provide clarification and convey our regrets. Additionally, a thorough review of the incident is underway to ensure such an occurrence is not repeated.”#newsafro_
