The Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, has vehemently denied allegations that he physically assaulted the Clan Head and Traditional Ruler of Iyamoyong community.
Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent yesterday, Arikpo dismissed the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
“I am not insane to slap a traditional ruler whom I hold in high esteem and have the utmost respect for. The rumours making the rounds are nothing but fabrications from the pit of hell, orchestrated by those seeking to discredit me,” he stated.
He further clarified, “I am not a drunk who would wake up one day and assault a custodian of our traditions and values. These are malicious lies peddled by certain individuals determined to bring me down at all costs.”
Tensions in Iyamoyong: The Alleged Confrontation
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that tensions flared in Iyamoyong, Obubra LGA, on Tuesday, when a group of young men reportedly ambushed the chairmanโs convoy. Arikpo was returning home after a visit to Ogurude and a quarry site in Eja, Osopong 1, when his convoy was confronted by an unusual barricade mounted by some youths along the Iyamoyong axis of Iyamitet road.
Sources disclosed that a motorcyclist, identified as Mr. Wisdom, allegedly overtook the chairmanโs convoy in a reckless manner. This act provoked members of the chairmanโs entourage, leading to a pursuit. Unknown to them, Wisdom had sought refuge in his fatherโs palaceโthe residence of the traditional ruler.
Some aggrieved individuals within the chairmanโs convoy reportedly demanded that Wisdom come out to explain his actions. However, he refused, remaining in hiding within his fatherโs compound. The situation escalated, leading to the blockade of the Iyamitet-Iyamoyong road by youths suspected to be supporters of Wisdom. In the chaos, one of the motorcycles hired for the chairmanโs trip was allegedly seized by the protesting youths.
Escalation and Vandalism
According to sources, Hon. Arikpo’s visit to the traditional rulerโs palace was a peace move aimed at securing the release of the seized bike, but it was misrepresented by detractors seeking to embarrass him.
Meanwhile, prominent indigenes of Iyamoyong, including opinion leaders and youth representatives from Obubra Urban, Ofumbongha/Yala, and Osopong in Obubra 1 State Constituency, as well as Adun Kingdom in Obubra 2 Constituency, have condemned the attack on the chairman, urging residents to accord due respect to the office of the executive chairman.
Further reports indicate that six tippers and a filling station belonging to the chairman were vandalized by irate youths, whom many suspect had ulterior motives beyond the alleged incident. Additionally, the residence of the Deputy Leader of the Obubra Legislature, Hon. Akamba, in Iyamoyong, was reportedly attacked during the unrest.
As tensions simmer, calls for restraint and peaceful resolution continue to grow, with many urging community leaders to intervene and prevent further escalation.
