Actor Ayo Badmus Beaten Mercilessly by Lagos Area Boys

Picture of his injured head after the attack.

Popular actor, Ayo Badmus, will not forget in a hurry the just concluded Salah celebration as it was the day he was beaten black and blue by a group of hoodlums suspected to be political thugs in the Oshodi area of Lagos. More degrading is that fact the unfortunate incident happened in the presence of his wife.

The Story: the actor accompanied by his wife and young brother went to pay ace-Cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, a visit during the Salah holidays when...

the unexpected happened. The actor was said to have arrived Kelani’s house located at Feyinde Kalisto in Oshodi, around 7.30 pm. He was greeted by many in the spirit of the celebration as their was a lavishing party already going on within the neighborhood.

Believing he can leverage on his popularity, Ayo decided to exchange pleasantries with residents of the area who he met at the place. But it was his attempt to exchange handshake with the Chairman of Oshodi local government area that earned him the beaten of his life. The Chairman's younger brother was said to have taken offence when the actor stretched his hands to shake the man, rather than prostrate (as the Yoruba custom demands).

Ayo felt degraded by the manner he was treated by the LGA boss and his brother and decided to walk away, but the said brother continued raining insults on him, referring to Nollywood stars as 'useless and stupid set of people'.

As if that was not enough, before Ayo could realise what was amiss, thugs numbering about twenty descended on him with dangerous weapons. The brother to the politician even joined the thugs in the assault as he was said to have landed the actor a hot slap on the face, to the chagrin of his host - Tunde Kelani. The Oshodi LGA Chairman was said to have showed indifference while the incident lasted. It was also gathered that the two armed policemen who were his guards did nothing to arrest the situation either.

Confirming the incident, Ayo described his beating as very unfortunate, saying he sustained serious injuries resulting from the dangerous weapons the hoodlums used on him. In his words: "It is true that I was beaten and almost killed by the thugs guarding the Chairman of Oshodi LGA," adding that "They probably felt intimidated by my presence and the way people around hailed me."

This development is kind of disturbing and confusing. I don't know if I should describe this 'prostrating' thing as old fashion or encourage the actor to take caution and ensure he prostrates the next time he sees the Chairman. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this incident.

Additonal reports by VANGUARD.