Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday after suspected gunmen attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident occurred hours after Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
According to eyewitnesses, the governor arrived at the Ataoja’s palace around 3:15 p.m. in a convoy comprising about 20 vehicles. The visit was part of post-election engagements and came shortly after the monarch offered prayers for the governor.
Trouble reportedly began as members of the governor’s entourage prepared to leave the palace grounds when suspected hoodlums allegedly opened fire around the area, triggering panic among residents and visitors.
Security operatives attached to the governor immediately responded, leading to an exchange of gunfire that witnesses said lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the attackers fled.
A witness claimed the assailants arrived in an unregistered Toyota Sienna vehicle through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo before launching the attack.
The shooting caused widespread panic in the vicinity, with traders hurriedly shutting down their shops while residents and passersby sought safety.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the incident, describing the attackers as hoodlums.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
No deaths or injuries were reported, according to state government officials.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he had yet to receive detailed information about the incident but assured that the command would issue an official statement after obtaining the full facts.
The attack comes just days after Adeleke secured re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, a development that has heightened political activities across the state.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and determine the identities and motives of those behind the attack.
