Panic in Osogbo as gunmen attack Adeleke’s convoy

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Panic broke out in Osogbo, Osun State, Wednesday after suspected hoodlums opened fire on the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The attack reportedly triggered an exchange of gunfire lasting between 12 and 15 minutes as security operatives attached to the governor’s convoy engaged the assailants and secured his passage.

The incident occurred at about 3:15pm, shortly after Adeleke had visited the monarch following his receipt of the Certificate of Return for a second term from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osogbo.

Sources said the governor had met with the Ataoja and presented his certificate before receiving the monarch’s royal blessings.

But David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, described the reports as outright falsehoods, saying what occurred was a fight outside the palace that had no link to the governor or his movement.

The singer, whose uncle is Governor Adeleke, was direct in his denial on X. “Lies! It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us! The people love excellency,” he wrote.

Trouble reportedly started as Governor Adeleke and his entourage left the palace through a private exit used by the monarch and members of his family.

Eyewitnesses said armed men arrived in a Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan area and allegedly opened fire around the palace.

One eyewitness said the assailants damaged and shot at the palace’s main gate before security personnel pushed them back.

Another eyewitness said the gun battle lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the governor’s security team secured the area and cleared a path for the convoy to leave.

The attackers reportedly engaged the convoy again around the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The incident caused panic in the area, with traders and residents abandoning their businesses and seeking shelter. Sporadic gunshots were reportedly heard in parts of the city later in the afternoon, forcing some businesses to close.

Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the governor and members of his team were safe.

“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at the Ataoja’s palace but no casualties were recorded,” Alimi said.