by Lovely Eseoghene Onohwakpor
Fuji Star Obesere Demands Justice After Armed Thugs Attack, Steal Performance Earnings in Ondo
Fuji icon Abass Akande Obesere has called on authorities in Ondo State to take swift action against suspected thugs who allegedly assaulted him and vandalised his equipment after a performance in Okitipupa on Friday.
The incident, detailed in a statement by his media manager, Ayonla Althentic, and shared on the Facebook page of Sidophonia Progressive F.C. on Sunday, revealed that the attack occurred shortly after the musician concluded his show at the Government Field in Okitipupa.
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According to Althentic, multiple groups of armed touts surrounded the team as they prepared to leave the venue.
“One group converged on my location because I was carrying the bag of money,” he recounted. “Despite our efforts to leave peacefully, my principal and I were aggressively confronted. The assailants demanded the bag; when I refused, a violent struggle ensued.”
He added that he was beaten, sustained a dislocated shoulder, and was struck with a knife during the scuffle. Although he could not confirm whether he was stabbed, he stated that he suffered severe pain from several blows. The attackers eventually overpowered him and fled with the bag of money.
Althentic also alleged that another group of thugs continued to harass Obesere despite the musician offering them money in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. The team later escaped the venue to seek safety and medical care.
The statement condemned the attack as “criminal and violent,” stressing that such conduct toward performers, their crew, and even mourners at the burial ceremony they were attending should not be tolerated. It urged the government to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and prosecuted to prevent future attacks at public events.
However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya (as referenced in earlier reports), simply said she was unaware of the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area, Andrew Ogunsakin, described the assault as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
“I received the news of the mistreatment meted out to Obesere and his team with deep disappointment and utmost distaste,” he said in a statement. “This does not reflect the values we uphold as a people.”
Ogunsakin promised to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure such occurrences are prevented. He added that he would personally reach out to Obesere to extend the local government’s apologies.
He assured the public that decisive steps would be taken to hold the perpetrators accountable and safeguard visitors and residents at future events.
