Gunshots rang out in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The Punch reported that the incident reportedly triggered a gun battle between the attackers and security personnel attached to the governor, with the exchange lasting between 12 and 15 minutes.
Adeleke had arrived at the monarch’s palace around 3:15 pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after collecting his Certificate of Return at the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo following his re-election.
An eyewitness, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the governor was received by the monarch and presented his Certificate of Return to him.
According to the witness, trouble began as the meeting was coming to an end after the monarch had offered prayers.
She said Adeleke had exited the hall through a passage used by the monarch and his wives and was already inside the bus conveying him and his close aides when the shooting began.
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.”
A trader operating close to the palace, identified as Munirat, said the attackers may have known about the governor’s visit and positioned themselves 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 attack sent residents and traders around the area fleeing for safety, with several businesses reportedly shut as gunfire continued.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the governor’s security team successfully repelled the attackers.
He said no casualty was recorded in the incident.
“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 4:45 pm, sporadic gunshots could still be heard around the area, while business owners had closed their shops amid fears of further violence.
