Mr. Tokunbo Opebi, the acting chairman of Breeze 91.9 FM in Akure, is accused of physically assaulting former staff member Mercy Okafor after she submitted her resignation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the radio station’s premises along Ijoka Road.
An anonymous source from the station revealed that Okafor initially joined as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and was later offered a permanent position upon completing her service. “Mercy Okafor is exceptionally talented.
Although she is Igbo, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Yoruba Language. Her versatility and proficiency in Yoruba garnered significant attention, and many urged her to remain with the station after her service,” the source shared.
When the station’s accountant, Bisola Agbayewa, went on maternity leave, Okafor was appointed to fill in temporarily and managed both accounting and on-air presenter duties once Agbayewa resigned after her leave.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic when Okafor formally resigned and returned the station’s files. Tokunbo allegedly reacted angrily, insisting she should remain until a replacement was found, despite Okafor having provided prior notice. Infuriated by her response, Tokunbo reportedly struck Okafor in the head with his shoe and began hitting her.
“It took the intervention of Bimpe Dele-Mogaji and Doyin Johnson to separate Okafor from Tokunbo, who was angrily attacking her,” the source recounted. They also expressed frustration over Tokunbo’s alleged mismanagement at the station, noting that staff members often face irregular pay or threats of arrest upon leaving.
Attempts by News Bulletin to reach Mr. Tokunbo for a comment were unsuccessful.
