IBADAN—The peaceful atmosphere in Ibadan was disturbed, yesterday, as some suspected thugs believed to be supporters of a legislator of Oyo State House of Assembly (names withheld) allegedly beat up the Director of Engineering, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Mr. Akinniyi Akinlabi.
The action of the lawmaker’s supporters led to a protest by members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, who angrily locked up the gate to protest the maltreatment of their boss.
They vowed not to grant anybody entry into the premises of the station.
The chaotic atmosphere coincided with the inauguration of a Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, press centre at BCOS by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, Mr. Yanju Adegbite, pleaded with his staff to open the gate and allow peace to reign.
He reportedly begged the workers, saying the matter ought to be reported to the governor before any further action could be taken.
The lawmaker was said to have organised an empowerment programme for members of the public which was fixed for yesterday at the BCOS Exhibition Ground.
Vanguard gathered that trouble started when the director refused to allow the lawmaker’s supporters connect power from the electricity pole in the premises of the corporation without permission.
