Suspected thugs on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and the governor’s security personnel, causing panic among residents and traders in the area.
The attack occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall, where he had met with the monarch, following his visit to the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo to receive his Certificate of Return after his re-election.
Adeleke reportedly arrived at the palace around 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles. During the visit, he presented his Certificate of Return to the traditional ruler.
According to eyewitnesses, trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch offered prayers.
One eyewitness said the governor had already left the hall through an exit used by the monarch and his wives and was in his vehicle when heavy gunfire erupted.
She alleged that the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.
“He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots,” the eyewitness said.
She added that the gun battle lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace.
Another witness, a trader identified as Munirat, said the attackers may have been aware of the governor’s visit and had allegedly positioned themselves ahead of his arrival.
She claimed that the assailants damaged the palace’s main gate and exchanged gunfire with security personnel before retreating towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
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The incident reportedly caused panic in the area, forcing traders and residents to abandon their businesses and seek safety.
The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack.
Alimi described the attackers as hoodlums and said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled them.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said.
As of 4:45pm, sporadic gunshots were reportedly still being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly closed their shops amid fears of further violence.
Security authorities are expected to investigate the attack and identify those behind the incident. No arrest or official motive for the attack had been disclosed at the time of reporting.
