Ondo Radio Station Chairman Brutalizes Female Staff Over Resignation Letter

Ondo Radio Station Chairman Brutalizes Female Staff Over Resignation Letter

Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria– In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the media industry, Mr. Tokunbo Opebi, the acting chairman of Breeze 91.9 FM, has been accused of brutally assaulting a female staff member, Mercy Okafor, after she tendered her resignation letter. The incident, which occurred on February 7, 2025, at the station's premises along Ijoka Road in Akure, has exposed the dark underbelly of workplace abuse within the Nigerian media sector.

The Disturbing Incident

Mercy Okafor, a dedicated broadcaster and accountant, joined Breeze FM as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and was later offered a permanent position due to her exceptional skills. However, despite her dedication, the station's payment practices were far from satisfactory, with some staff members earning as little as 25,000 Naira per month, well below the minimum wage. When Okafor submitted her resignation letter citing these conditions, the chairman reportedly lost his temper and physically attacked her.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Assault

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene where Opebi withdrew his shoe and struck Okafor on the head, followed by a series of brutal blows. It took the intervention of colleagues, Bimpa Dele-Mogaji and Joyin Johnson, to pull Opebi off Okafor and prevent further harm. The incident has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and the treatment of employees in the media sector.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The assault has sparked outrage among media professionals and human rights advocates, who are calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against Opebi. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the incident and urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served. This case highlights the urgent need for better workplace regulations and protections for employees, especially in industries where power imbalances can lead to abuse.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched. "We are taking this matter very seriously. The safety and well-being of employees are paramount, and we will ensure that justice is served," Ikenga stated.

Community and Industry Reactions

The local community in Akure has expressed shock and dismay over the incident, with many calling for stricter enforcement of labor laws and better support for workers. Media organizations across Nigeria have also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.

Mrs. Ngozi Chukwu, a resident of Akure, shared her thoughts: "It's disheartening to hear about such violence in the workplace. We need to advocate for better working conditions and ensure that no one feels unsafe at their place of employment."

As the investigation continues, there is a growing demand for reforms in the media industry to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The case of Mercy Okafor serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by employees in abusive work environments and the need for collective action to ensure their safety and dignity.

In response to the incident, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to organize workshops and seminars on workplace safety and employee rights. These initiatives aim to educate media professionals on the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment and to provide them with the tools needed to advocate for their rights.

The brutal assault on Mercy Okafor by Mr. Tokunbo Opebi has shed light on the urgent need for better workplace protections and regulations within the Nigerian media industry. As the community and industry leaders rally for justice and reform, it is crucial to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. By working together, we can create a safer and more equitable work environment for all.