Prominent Traditional Leader, Chief Shile Ayoola, Survives Assassination Attempt in Ondo City

The fragile peace in Ondo West Local Government was violently disrupted on the night of Tuesday, 8th July 2025, as Chief Shile Ayoola, a revered traditional figure and veteran fish merchant, narrowly escaped death in an attempted assassination by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The brazen attack took place at approximately 8:40 p.m., near the Ejankole area of Oke-Rowo, Ondo City. Chief Ayoola was conversing with a tenant, Mama Ada, in front of his under-construction hotel when armed assailants opened fire on his Toyota vehicle at close range.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers targeted the Chief’s head. Miraculously, a bullet meant to be fatal grazed his scalp, tearing skin but sparing his skull. He managed to escape when one of the gunmen paused to reload his weapon. Chief Ayoola sustained minor injuries from shattered windscreen glass and is currently receiving treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.

“God is merciful. I always put God first in everything I think, say, or do,” Chief Ayoola stated from his recovery bed.

Double Tragedy in One Night

In a related and equally troubling development, a woman identified as Ms. Tosin, a local POS operator, was attacked that same night in the same vicinity. While riding a motorcycle with her child, she was ambushed by the assailants. They forcefully snatched her child, beat her, and made away with the motorcycle, leaving her injured.

One witness, speaking anonymously, suggested that the attack on Chief Ayoola might have been unintentional, possibly triggered when the Chief’s car headlights illuminated the attackers. He described Chief Ayoola as “a gentle and noble man respected by both the streets and the kingdom.”

Community Reaction and Police Response

The Ondo Police Command has launched a full investigation and assured the public that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. In response, local youths have expressed outrage and concern over the rising insecurity in the area. Many are now demanding unscheduled patrols and proactive steps by security operatives to restore peace.

A Message to the Youth

From his hospital bed, Chief Ayoola issued a heartfelt warning and appeal:

“This rising wave of crime may not always come from outsiders. There may be internal collaborators. I appeal to our youths to turn away from crime and pursue honest labor. Crime brings disgrace—not only to the individual—but to their families and to the entire community.”

“Let us build a community of dignity through honest labor. Crime offers only shame and pain,” he concluded