Ondo Community Leader’s Home Torched After Clash With Tantita Security Coordinator; Victim Alleges Police Inaction

Tension has gripped a community in Okitipupa, Ondo State, after the residence of a local leader, Oloja Ayodele Omodogbe, was set ablaze only hours following a heated clash with Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services.

Tantita Security Services—owned by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)—handles a major federal and NNPCL contract to safeguard oil pipelines and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The conflict reportedly erupted on Sunday morning when Omodogbe returned home to find Asonja and several armed men, including uniformed personnel, arriving in multiple vehicles. According to Omodogbe, the group forcefully entered a nearby rented apartment used by Asonja’s Chief Security Officer and assaulted him, causing panic in the area.

Omodogbe said he called Asonja to address the situation, reminding him of community procedures and urging restraint. Instead, he alleged, Asonja threatened to assault him as well, claiming he had the power to kill him and his family without facing consequences.

Later that night, around 1 a.m., Omodogbe was woken by shouts alerting him to a fire. Rushing outside, he found the front section of his home—mainly his office—engulfed in flames. Neighbours helped extinguish the fire, but valuables including about ₦200,000 in cash and a POS machine were destroyed.

He said the situation escalated further the next morning when Asonja reportedly returned with three Hilux trucks and other associates. Omodogbe claimed that, while police officers were inspecting the damage, Asonja boasted openly about being behind the fire. Despite the alleged confession, Omodogbe said the police did not take action, noting that Asonja was surrounded by military escorts.

Omodogbe said he immediately filed a complaint with the Okitipupa police and informed the Jegun of Idepe Okitipupa, Oba Michael Obatuga. He told reporters he went public because Asonja had continued issuing death threats.

An audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters purportedly captures Asonja threatening to shoot him.

Attempts to reach Asonja were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls. Oba Obatuga confirmed he had been briefed but declined further comment. The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, also did not respond to calls or messages seeking verification as of Tuesday.