By Milcah Tanimu
In response to allegations of assaulting a police officer at the 2023 Iganmode Day event, Tunji Akinosi, the House of Representatives member representing Ado-Odo Ota Federal Constituency, has contested the claims, asserting that the viral video circulating online was edited and did not accurately depict the incident.
Akinosi released a statement on Tuesday, refuting the accusations and explaining that he pushed the police officer due to the latter’s disrespect towards the state’s Deputy Governor and a perceived threat against Akinosi himself.
Contrary to the viral video’s portrayal, Akinosi clarified that the disrespectful officer was assigned to Senator Yayi, not the Deputy Governor. The statement emphasized that Akinosi’s action was prompted by the officer’s rude behavior and display of irresponsibility at the event, which had already seen the officer assaulting the Deputy Governor’s aide, Kola Salako, and others in the Deputy Governor’s entourage.
The statement further explained that Akinosi’s intention was to mediate and reconcile the situation, but the officer’s continued rudeness and derogatory remarks, along with a threat, led to the physical intervention. Akinosi denounced the alleged assault as an attempt by political opponents to tarnish his reputation ahead of the upcoming political activities in Ogun State.
The statement concluded by expressing concern over the spread of unverified news by various platforms and individuals posing as journalists and affirmed Akinosi’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises to his constituents without distraction.
