Gunmen Attack Governor Adeleke’s Convoy in Osogbo, Security Forces Repel Assailants

Unknown gunmen on Wednesday launched a deadly attack on the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, triggering an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and the governor’s security personnel.

The attack, which lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, sent traders, residents and other people in the area fleeing for safety as heavy gunfire rang out around the palace and adjoining areas.

Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 p.m. 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.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the governor and his entourage were received by the monarch, during which Adeleke reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the Ataoja.

The eyewitness said the attack began shortly after the meeting ended and the monarch had offered prayers, with Adeleke already in the bus that brought him and his close aides when heavy gunshots suddenly erupted.

“Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo,” the eyewitness said.

“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,” she said.

A trader near the palace, identified simply as Munirat, said the attackers may have been aware of the governor’s visit and allegedly waited for his arrival, adding that they arrived in a Sienna space bus and even damaged the main gate to the palace.

Munirat said traders and residents abandoned their wares and businesses as the shooting intensified, adding that the attackers allegedly engaged the governor’s convoy again near the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The attack caused widespread panic in the area, with several business owners hurriedly shutting their shops while residents sought safety.

Confirming the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attackers and that there was no casualty.

“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 4:45 p.m., sporadic gunshots were still being heard around the area, while several businesses remained shut amid fears of further violence.

The attack comes just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke winner of Saturday’s governorship election and presented him with his Certificate of Return on Wednesday.