Gunmen Open Fire on Adeleke’s Convoy After Ataoja Palace Visit

Tension erupted in Osogbo on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums opened fire on the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after he departed the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident, which reportedly triggered a gun battle between the attackers and the governor’s security personnel, lasted between 12 and 15 minutes and sent traders, residents and other people in the vicinity fleeing for safety.

Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of roughly 20 vehicles, shortly after collecting his Certificate of Return at the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo following his re-election.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, the governor was received by the traditional ruler and reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch.

The situation reportedly turned violent as the palace engagement was coming to an end.

The eyewitness said Adeleke had already exited the palace hall through a route normally used by the monarch and his wives and had entered the vehicle conveying him and his close aides when gunshots suddenly rang out.

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 in advance that the governor would visit the traditional ruler.

She said the suspected hoodlums arrived in a Sienna bus and allegedly attacked the palace gate before engaging security personnel.

“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 gunfire caused confusion around the palace and adjoining areas, with traders abandoning their goods and residents scrambling for cover.

The attackers reportedly fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road after the confrontation with the governor’s security team.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the incident when contacted.

He said the security personnel attached to the governor successfully repelled the attackers and confirmed that there were no casualties.

“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 attack occurred on a day Adeleke had visited the Ataoja shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from INEC, adding to the tension surrounding the governor’s re-election.

As of 4:45pm, sporadic gunshots were reportedly still being heard around the area, while several business owners had closed their shops and left the vicinity amid fears of further violence.