Suspected hoodlums on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
According to reports, the attack triggered an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and the governor’s security personnel, with the shooting reportedly lasting between 12 and 15 minutes.
Adeleke had arrived at the palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after receiving his Certificate of Return at the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo following his re-election.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan area and opened fire around the palace as Adeleke was preparing to leave.
One eyewitness said the assailants also shot at and damaged the palace’s main gate before security personnel pushed them back.
The attackers reportedly engaged the governor’s security team in a gun battle before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
The incident caused panic in the area as traders and residents reportedly abandoned their businesses and fled to safety.
The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack, saying the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
As of 4:45pm, sporadic gunshots were reportedly still being heard around the area, while several business owners had shut their shops amid fears of further violence.
