Suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday, August 19, shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji. The attack triggered an exchange of gunfire with the governor’s security personnel, causing widespread panic in the area.
Attack Occurs After Governor’s Palace Visit
The incident occurred shortly after Governor Adeleke left the palace hall, where he had met with the monarch. Adeleke arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the electoral commission. The governor and his entourage were received by Oyetunji before trouble started as the meeting was winding down.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the governor was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when heavy gunshots began. The witness added that the attackers arrived in an unregistered vehicle 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.
Security Personnel Repel Assailants, No Casualties Reported
The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack, stating that the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants and that no casualties were recorded. “They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
The eyewitness further noted that the governor’s security men and the hoodlums exchanged gunshots. The hoodlums later fled the scene. The confrontation caused widespread panic, forcing traders and residents to shut down their businesses and seek safety. The attack occurred minutes after the governor celebrated receiving his certificate of return as governor, according to a social media post.
