Akure, Ondo State – A disturbing incident has emerged from Breeze 91.9 FM, Akure, as the acting chairman of the station, Mr. Tokunbo Opebi, has been accused of physically assaulting a former staff member, Mercy Okafor, for resigning from her role at the station.
Sources within the station revealed that Okafor had initially joined Breeze FM as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, but due to her exceptional broadcasting skills and fluency in Yoruba, she was offered a permanent position. When the station’s accountant, Bisola Agbayewa, went on maternity leave and later resigned, Okafor was asked to take over the role while still maintaining her duties as an OAP.
After serving the station in a dual capacity, Okafor eventually decided to resign. However, trouble reportedly started when she returned the company’s documents in her possession, and Mr. Opebi allegedly confronted her, insisting that she should have stayed until the station found a replacement.
Eyewitnesses claim that an argument broke out, and in a fit of rage, Tokunbo Opebi allegedly removed his shoe and struck Okafor on the head before physically assaulting her with multiple punches. It reportedly took the intervention of senior colleagues Bimpe Dele-Mogaji and Doyin Johnson to pull Okafor away from the chairman’s grasp.
A source within the station, who pleaded anonymity, accused the acting chairman of repeatedly maltreating employees.
"Tokunbo is responsible for almost all the problems at the station. If you stay, you won’t get paid regularly. If you leave, you might get arrested or falsely accused. He has done this to former engineers, marketers, and even OAPs,” the source lamented.
Reports indicate that past employees have faced arbitrary detentions and harassment upon leaving the station, allegedly at Mr. Opebi’s instigation.
Efforts to reach Mr. Tokunbo Opebi for his response have been unsuccessful. Similarly, the station’s General Manager, Sunday Ajongbolo, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from media practitioners, human rights activists, and members of the public, who are calling for an investigation into the matter.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As of now, there is no official complaint filed with law enforcement, but pressure is mounting on Breeze FM’s management to address the issue and ensure justice for the alleged victim.
This disturbing incident raises serious questions about workplace safety in Nigeria’s media industry, particularly for young female broadcasters who often face harassment and mistreatment in their places of work.
More updates will follow as the story develops.
Source: Star Media
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