Tension as Lawmaker, Council Chairman clash at Soname’s 60th Birthday

What was meant to be a high-profile celebration took a dramatic turn on Sunday as a brief but heated altercation broke out at the 60th birthday of businessman and Bet9ja chairman, Kunle Soname, in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The incident involved the Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Bolanle Simiat Bada, and an aide to the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Kafilat Ogbara, momentarily disrupting proceedings at the well-attended event.

Guests said the celebration had progressed without incident until the arrival of the political figures and their entourages, when a disagreement reportedly erupted over a seat reserved for the federal lawmaker.

Sources at the venue said the aide, identified simply as Toyin, had been holding the seat for Ogbara, who was engaged with other guests, when Bada approached and attempted to occupy it.

What began as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a physical tussle, with both sides struggling over the seat in full view of attendees. The situation reportedly intensified, with the council chair allegedly engaging the aide physically during the confrontation.

The altercation drew immediate attention, forcing security personnel to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation and restore order.

Efforts by the event’s compere, Yemi Sodimu, to calm tensions initially met resistance as the atmosphere inside the venue grew briefly uneasy.

Observers suggested the clash may not be unconnected to underlying political rivalries within the Kosofe axis, where both figures wield influence.

Normalcy was eventually restored, allowing the celebration to continue, although the incident left some guests visibly unsettled.

One attendee described the episode as “embarrassing,” noting that such conduct detracted from the significance of the occasion and fell short of the decorum expected of public office holders.