Nigerian Army - Grams.Tv
The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all soldiers allegedly serving as private escorts to Chief Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. This decision comes after reports revealed that military personnel were being used for personal protection, social outings, and intimidation, actions the Army says were never officially approved.
Army Issues Zero-Tolerance Directive After Misuse of Troops
According to multiple security sources, the directive came straight from the Chief of Army Staff, with a clear warning that no soldier must accompany Asonja to political, social, or traditional engagements going forward.
“The directive is clear. No soldier must follow him around anymore. They have been ordered back to their designated riverine and pipeline security locations,” a source said.
Security officials emphasized that soldiers previously seen escorting Asonja to nightlife venues, palace disputes, and political events were acting outside official authorization.
“At no time did the army assign soldiers to him as personal guards. Those following him were operating illegally. Anyone caught again will face sanctions,” another source warned.
Tantita Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries and Alleged Corruption
The Army’s intervention follows growing public outrage in Okitipupa, where aggrieved Tantita workers stormed the palace of the Lisa of Idepe-Okitipupa, High Chief Adekanmi Adegbola, on Wednesday.
Workers, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Two years without salary” and “Tompolo should investigate Ondo Tantita boss,” accused Asonja of diverting their wages for two years.
They claimed that he inflated payroll numbers with ghost workers, hired casual labourers off the books, and siphoned operational funds meant for genuine staff.
One of the workers, Dagunro Sola, appealed in a viral video:
“We are begging Tompolo to intervene before December. We have not been paid for two years.”
The Lisa of Idepe assured the protesters that he would mediate the crisis, urging them to remain calm as he sought a resolution.
Escalating Tension: Arson Allegations and Royal Insult Accusations
The unrest intensified after the Ikale Youth Representatives alleged that Asonja led armed men,reportedly including soldiers,to burn down the home of High Chief Ayodele Omodogbe following a confrontation in the community.
The youths further claimed that Asonja insulted the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Michael Obatuga, allegedly ending a phone call abruptly during a dispute.
“Asonja’s arrogance is now a security threat. He terrorises residents with armed soldiers and desecrates our royal institution,” the youth group said.
They also accused Asonja of assaulting his own Chief Security Officer, Owoyele Omotuyi Joseph, during a recent armed raid.
Ikale Youths Present Demands for Peace and Accountability
The Ikale Youth Representatives submitted a list of demands aimed at restoring peace and ensuring transparency:
- Immediate withdrawal of all soldiers attached to Asonja
- Relocation of Tantita’s office out of Okitipupa, citing lack of oil pipelines in the area
- Public apology to the Jegun of Idepe for alleged royal desecration
- Full corruption probe into payroll manipulation and diversion of funds
The youth group also vowed to present evidence of forged payroll documents allegedly submitted by Asonja to Tantita headquarters in Delta State.
What This Means for Security Operations in Ondo
The Army’s decision marks a significant halt to the misuse of military personnel in region-specific conflicts. It also raises new questions about oversight within Tantita Security Services and the conduct of its coordinators across the Niger Delta region.
As investigations progress, stakeholders in Ondo are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and respect for traditional institutions, insisting that security agencies must never be used as tools for intimidation.
