Tension gripped parts of Ibadan on Saturday following an alleged attack on the residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, by suspected political thugs.
Newsregistrn reports that the incident reportedly led to the destruction of property, while the veteran politician and his aides narrowly escaped harm.
Videos circulating online indicated that the attackers stormed the residence and vandalised items within the premises, creating panic in the area.
Details of the incident first gained public attention after a Facebook post by Lere Olayinka who shared a video purportedly showing the aftermath of the attack.
In the post, Olayinka alleged that the assailants were political thugs and claimed the attack was linked to the ongoing political tensions in Oyo State.
The video reportedly showed damaged property and people lamenting the destruction caused by the attackers.
Although the full circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, political observers say the incident may be connected to internal political rivalries within the state.
Oyo State has in recent times witnessed heightened political tension ahead of key party activities, with factions within major political parties often trading accusations and counter-accusations.
Hazeem Gbolarumi is a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State and a seasoned legal practitioner.
He previously served as Deputy Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007 during the administration of former governor Rashidi Ladoja. Over the years, he has remained influential in grassroots politics across the state.
Sources close to the former deputy governor said he and members of his household escaped unharmed despite the scale of the attack.
However, several properties within the compound were reportedly damaged by the invading thugs, who allegedly stormed the premises before fleeing the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the attack.
The development has sparked reactions among political stakeholders and residents, many of whom have expressed concern over rising political tension in the state.
Observers warn that such incidents, if not addressed promptly by authorities, could heighten insecurity and undermine democratic processes in Oyo State.