NEWS
Gunmen Attack Governor Adeleke’s Convoy After Palace Visit, Security Operatives Repel Assailants
Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, after suspected thugs reportedly attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident reportedly triggered a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the suspected attackers and members of the governor’s security team, sending traders, residents and other people in the vicinity fleeing for safety.
The attack occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall, where he had met with the traditional ruler following his visit to the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo.
At the INEC office, the governor had received his Certificate of Return after being declared the winner of the recent Osun State governorship election, formally confirming his return for a second term.
According to reports, Adeleke proceeded to the Ataoja’s palace, where he was received by Oba Oyetunji. The governor was said to have presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch during the visit.
An eyewitness who spoke about the incident said the atmosphere remained calm until the meeting was coming to an end and the monarch had offered prayers.
According to the eyewitness, Adeleke had already exited the palace hall through an entrance traditionally reserved for the monarch and his wives before the sound of gunshots suddenly erupted.
She said, “He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots. Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.
“The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums exchanged gunshots. Those hoodlums later fled the scene.”
The attack reportedly caused confusion around the palace, with residents and traders abandoning their businesses as gunfire rang out in the area.
A trader operating close to the palace, identified simply as Munirat, suggested that the attackers may have been monitoring the governor’s movement and deliberately positioned themselves in the area ahead of his arrival.
She said, “We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace. They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back.
“We all ran away and left our wares. They also engaged the governor near the Osogbo Central Mosque before they fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.”
The confrontation reportedly extended beyond the palace area, with the suspected assailants engaging the governor’s security personnel near the Osogbo Central Mosque before escaping in the direction of Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
The reported attack created widespread panic, as traders and residents in the surrounding areas hurried away from the scene amid fears that the confrontation could escalate.
The Osun State Government subsequently confirmed that the governor’s convoy came under attack but said security personnel successfully repelled the assailants.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi
said “They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said.
The incident has heightened concerns over security around political movements and public gatherings in Osogbo, particularly following the recent governorship election and the governor’s official engagements after his electoral victory.
Despite the intensity of the reported gun battle, the state government said there was no casualty, while the suspected attackers were said to have fled the area after being confronted by the governor’s security personnel.