The political crisis in Osun State escalated on Monday as Engr. Remi Omowaiye, former Commissioner for Works and Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
The attack, allegedly led by some element from the opposition targeted Omowaiye, Hon. Tobi Famurewa, and other prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures.
Omowaiye was in Ilesa for political consultations and had earlier led APC members to the police headquarters, seeking protection for the recently reinstated local government executives.
The visit ended without incident, but chaos erupted shortly after, the federal appointee told Nigerian Tribune.
Omowaiye said his convoy was ambushed by thugs allegedly led by Hon. Olawale Akerele (aka Water), the Osun State House of Assembly member representing Ilesa West while returning to Osogbo, near the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat.
According to reports, gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. Although Omowaiye was unharmed, his driver and police orderly sustained serious gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital.
“My driver and police orderly sustained serious gunshot wounds. They have been rushed to the hospital,” Omowaiye told reporters.
The attack also left Hon. Tobi Famurewa and several APC supporters injured, with vehicles riddled with bullets and windows shattered.
Omowaiye has condemned the attack and urged the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
The political unrest in Osun continues to heighten tensions, with both APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trading accusations over the control of local government councils.