By Peace Udugba
Gunmen suspected to be hoodlums on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between the suspected attackers and security personnel attached to the governor’s convoy, causing panic among residents, traders and motorists in the area.
The shooting reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the attackers fled the area.
Adeleke had visited the palace after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo following his re-election as governor.
According to reports, the governor arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 p.m. in a convoy of about 20 vehicles and met with the monarch, during which he reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the traditional ruler.
The attack occurred shortly after the meeting ended and prayers had been offered.
An eyewitness said the sudden gunfire caused people in the vicinity to scamper for safety, while security operatives attached to the governor responded to the attackers.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that an incident occurred around the governor’s convoy.
However, accounts of the incident have varied, with some reports describing it as an attack on the governor’s convoy, while another account attributed the confrontation to a fight involving suspected gang members around the palace.
The police and other security agencies are expected to provide further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
There were also reports that no immediate casualty was recorded among the governor and members of his entourage.
The incident has heightened concerns over security in Osogbo, particularly following the governor’s public engagements in the state capital.
