The police has commenced a search for the Baale of Odumade/Solumade Phase 2, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ikorodu, Safarudeen Odumade, for supposedly beating a truck pusher, Abdullahi Mohammed, to a state of extreme lethargy.
The traditional ruler was said to have summoned Mohammed after he passed his palace, and neglected to pay respect to him as requested by society.
Mohammed disregarded the Baale’s calls and proceeded with his voyage. This infuriated the Baale who rushed after Mohammed and beat him to a daze.
The Baale’s younger brother was said to have joined him in beating the victim before fleeing the area.
A resident, Bisi Odunuga, said that the victim’s Hausa companions were ready for a confrontation with the Baale before the intercession of the police.
“The man was pushing his truck from Bayeku to Igbogbo on Wednesday. When he got to Ilado, the acting Baale beckoned to him to pay obeisance to him, but he ignored him and continued on his way. The Baale was upset and chased the truck pusher. He then engaged him in a fight.”
“One of the younger brothers of the Baale, who stood afar observing the incident, later joined in the fight and assisted his brother to beat up Mohammed. By this time, the scene had turned rowdy and a crowd formed around the place. Some of the victim’s friends quickly mobilised themselves and joined to avenge the assault on their friend.”
She continued saying the policeman, who was repairing his vehicle by the roadside, had noticed the impending ruckus and quickly made peace asking that Mohammed be taken to a clinic for treatment.
By Thursday, news of the victim’s eventual death had circulated prompting another attack threats by the now armed Hausa friends on the suspect’s office, which was under development.
Chanting a solidarity song while circulating the Baale’s office, an ethnic conflict looked certain if the police hadn’t intervened dispersing the agitators.
It was later found that Mohammed was alive but that didnt deter the Hausa men as they kept the neighborhood in siege over an impending attack.
The lawyer for the Odumade family, Gabriel Orban, said that though he had not been contacted on the details of the case, the Baale is peaceful and the allegations were false.
“I have not been privileged to meet the Baale to know what actually transpired. I have only heard in rumours that there was a misunderstanding that resulted in a fight. I can’t say whether the Baale was involved.”
“I have related with the Odumade family members for years and I can vouch for their virtuous behaviour and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.”