Gunmen attack Adeleke’s convoy in Osogbo

Gunmen 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 attack triggered an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and security personnel attached to the governor, causing panic among residents and traders in the area.

The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace, where he had met with the monarch following his receipt of the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo.

The governor arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after collecting his certificate following his re-election.

An eyewitness said Adeleke and members of his entourage were received by the monarch, to whom the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return.

She said the shooting began shortly after the meeting ended and Adeleke had left the palace hall through an exit designated for the monarch and his family.

“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.

According to her, the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna vehicle through the Ita Olokan area and opened fire.

She said the exchange between the assailants and the governor’s security personnel lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the attackers fled.

A trader near the palace, identified as Munirat, said the attackers may have been aware of the governor’s visit and allegedly waited for his arrival.

She said the assailants damaged the palace’s main gate and fired towards the entrance before security personnel pushed them back.

The trader added that the gunmen later engaged the governor’s security team near the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The shooting caused panic in the area, with traders and residents abandoning their businesses and seeking shelter.

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

Alimi described the attackers as hoodlums and said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attack.

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