The Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on April 20, 2024, at about 11.45 AM local time, assaulted Mr. Tayo Ikujuni, a senior journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), during the conduct of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC), governorship primary elections at Ward 9, Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Council in the State.
The commissioner also collected his phone, threw it away, and ordered his political thugs to seize his other gadgets.
An eyewitness said that the incident occurred when the reporter noticed that voting had commenced and as a result asked the Commissioner when the election materials arrived. The commissioner reportedly screamed at the journalist, saying, “Who are you? You’re a useless journalist. You’re a stupid journalist. Go away from here.”
The journalist was saved from further battery by the swift intervention of some individuals and security personnel, who prevented political thugs from further attacking him. When contacted, Mr. Yusuf-Ogunleye denied the allegation but apologised to journalists over the development.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Leke Adegbite, frowned at the attack and physical assault on the senior journalist, describing it as barbaric, unacceptable, and uncivilised.
