Suspected hoodlums 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 incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel attached to the governor.
The shooting reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, causing panic among residents and traders around the palace and adjoining areas.
Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15pm, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his re-election in the August 15 governorship election.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan area and opened fire around the palace shortly after Adeleke had left the palace hall.
One eyewitness said the attackers also shot at the palace gate before security operatives pushed them back.
The hoodlums reportedly engaged the governor’s security personnel in a gun battle before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
The attack caused traders and residents in the area to flee their shops and seek safety.
Confirming the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attackers.
“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.
The attack occurred on the same day Adeleke received his Certificate of Return and pledged a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support victims and families affected by electoral violence.
