JUST IN: Director flees from premises as Walewale youth lock up Coordinating office amid protest
The office of the Walewale Municipal Coordinating Director was left under lock and key on Tuesday after a group of angry youth stormed the Municipal Assembly premises, forcing the Director, Justice Bayon, to flee for safety.
The group, numbering several dozens, arrived at the Assembly early in the morning, chanting and demanding urgent action over what they described as unresolved grievances. The situation quickly escalated, causing tension and panic among staff and visitors at the Assembly.
According to sources within the Assembly, the Municipal Coordinating Director had earlier received intelligence about a planned protest and left the premises before the demonstrators arrived. However, upon reaching the office, the youth reportedly forced their way into parts of the building and locked up the Director’s office, effectively disrupting official work.
Speaking to the media, the protesting youth accused Mr. Bayon of absenteeism and poor performance in the discharge of his duties. One protester stated that they no longer had confidence in him and called for his immediate replacement by government authorities.
“We no longer need him. We are appealing to the government to replace him, as we are deeply dissatisfied,” the protester said. “This serves as a warning to the DCE: we are here peacefully today, but we will return if he is not replaced.”
The group also linked their action to broader concerns including unemployment, neglect of the municipality, and delays in development projects. They lamented the poor state of roads in Walewale, claiming that recent rainfall had rendered many routes impassable while road maintenance equipment remained unused.
“We will not listen; we do not need the coordinator today or tomorrow,” another protester added.
Some observers believe the incident may also be connected to underlying political tensions within the municipality.
Although no injuries were reported, the event left staff members shaken. The Municipal Chief Executive, Mohammed Rabiu Jabaah, said he would need clearance from the Regional Minister before commenting on the matter. The Coordinating Director, Justice Bayon, also declined to speak on the incident.
