The Nigerian Army has directed the immediate withdrawal of all military personnel allegedly assigned to Chief Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. This decision follows a SaharaReporters investigation revealing that soldiers were being used as personal escorts and instruments of intimidation.
Multiple security sources confirmed that the order was issued directly by the Chief of Army Staff, who instructed that no soldier should continue to serve as Asonja’s bodyguard or accompany him to social functions, private engagements, or traditional matters.
According to one security source, the directive clearly states that soldiers are to return to their designated riverine and pipeline protection duties. The source explained that troops previously seen escorting Asonja to nightlife outings, palace disputes, and political gatherings were doing so without official authorization. It was further emphasized that the Nigerian Army never formally assigned personnel to him as private security, and any soldier caught doing so again will face disciplinary action.
The development comes amid rising tension in Okitipupa. On Wednesday, irate Tantita workers marched to the palace of the Lisa of Idepe-Okitipupa, High Chief Adekanmi Adegbola, protesting two years of unpaid salaries and accusing Asonja of mismanagement and diversion of funds. The workers displayed placards demanding payment and calling on Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) to investigate the Ondo Tantita office. A worker identified as Dagunro Sola appealed in a viral video for Tompolo’s intervention, lamenting the alleged two-year wage delay.
High Chief Adegbola addressed the protesters, assuring them he would step in to mediate, while urging calm. However, the unrest deepened when the Ikale Youth Representatives accused Asonja of leading armed men, including soldiers, to burn down the residence of High Chief Ayodele Omodogbe after a reported confrontation involving community affairs.
The youth group also alleged that Asonja disrespected the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Obatuga, by abruptly ending a phone call with the monarch. They described his actions as a growing security concern, claiming he intimidates residents with military support and undermines traditional authority. In addition, they alleged that Asonja assaulted his Chief Security Officer, Owoyele Omotuyi Joseph, during a recent armed incident.
The group outlined several demands, including the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from Asonja’s service, relocation of Tantita’s office from Okitipupa on the grounds that the town has no oil pipelines, a public apology to the Jegun of Idepe for alleged royal disrespect, and a full investigation into suspected payroll fraud and financial misappropriation. They also stated their intention to submit evidence of alleged forged payroll documents to Tantita’s headquarters in Delta State.
