Gunshots as hoodlums attack Adeleke’s convoy in Osogbo

By Blessing Fali

Gunshots were heard on Wednesday as suspected hoodlums engaged security personnel attached to the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident occurred 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 reports, the suspected hoodlums arrived in an unregistered Toyota Sienna and were involved in an altercation around the palace before gunfire erupted.

An eyewitness said the shooting lasted for about three minutes, with the governor’s security team responding to the attackers. The hoodlums reportedly fled the scene in their vehicle.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that gunshots were fired as the governor’s entourage was leaving the palace, but said the circumstances that triggered the incident were unclear.

The police have also commenced investigation into the incident, while reports indicate that the shooting caused panic among traders and residents around the palace.

There were conflicting accounts of the incident. While some reports described it as an attack on the governor’s convoy, singer Davido, who accompanied Adeleke to the palace, said the confrontation was a fight outside the palace and was not directed at the governor or his entourage.