- He simply said he beat her up because he didn’t like her tone
The acting chairman of Breeze 91.9 FM, an Akure-based radio station, has been accused of assaulting a former employee after she submitted her resignation letter.
Mr Tokunbo Opebi allegedly attacked Mercy Okafor, a former on-air personality (OAP) and accountant at the station, on Tuesday at the station’s premises on Ijoka Road, Akure. Sources say the incident highlights concerns about the treatment of media workers in Nigeria.
Okafor, who initially joined the station as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was later offered a full-time role due to her fluency in Yoruba, despite being of Igbo descent. Her versatility reportedly made her a valuable asset to the station.
According to sources, she was asked to temporarily take over accounting duties when the station’s accountant, Bisola Agbayewa, went on maternity leave. When Agbayewa later resigned, Okafor continued in both roles.
However, working conditions at Breeze 91.9 FM were described as poor. Employees reportedly earned as little as ₦25,000 per month, while some temporary staff received just ₦10,000, in violation of Nigerian labour laws. Salaries were often delayed, and as of 5 February 2025, some employees had yet to receive full payment for December 2024.
When Okafor decided to resign, sources say she duly informed the management. But upon handing in company property, Opebi allegedly became enraged, insisting she should have stayed until a replacement was found. Witnesses claim he then removed his shoe and struck her on the head before launching a series of punches.
“It took the intervention of Bimpa Dele-Mogaji and Joyin Johnson to free Okafor,” a source said.
The incident reportedly left Okafor with internal injuries, and her family took her home to Ile-Ife for further treatment.
“No allegation of financial misappropriation was made against her,” a source added. “Tokunbo simply said he beat her up because he didn’t like her tone.”
Efforts to reach the station’s general manager, Sunday Ajongbolo, and Mr Opebi for comments were unsuccessful.