Adeleke’s Convoy Attacked in Osogbo, Security Operatives Repel Assailants

The convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, came under attack by suspected hoodlums on Wednesday shortly after the governor visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the governor’s security personnel, with the shooting reportedly lasting between 12 and 15 minutes.

Adeleke had arrived at the palace around 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

An eyewitness said the governor and his entourage were received by the traditional ruler, who reportedly took possession of Adeleke’s Certificate of Return and offered prayers before the meeting ended.

According to the eyewitness, Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit reserved for the monarch and his wives when gunshots suddenly rented the air.

The attackers were said to have arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.

“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,” the eyewitness said.

A trader in the area, identified simply as Munirat, said the attackers might have been aware of the governor’s visit and allegedly laid ambush for his convoy.

She claimed that the hoodlums damaged the main gate of the palace and exchanged gunfire with security personnel before retreating towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

“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,” she said.

The attack caused panic in the area, forcing traders, residents and other people around the palace to flee their businesses and seek safety.

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

Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attackers, adding that no casualty was recorded.

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