Gunshots as hoodlums attack Adeleke’s convoy in Osogbo

Gunshots were reported in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums engaged security personnel attached to the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The incident occurred at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, shortly after Adeleke received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governor had visited the palace to celebrate his victory with the traditional ruler when the shooting occurred.

Hoodlums reportedly laid siege near palace

Sources at the palace said the suspected hoodlums had allegedly positioned themselves around the area in an unregistered Toyota Sienna vehicle before Adeleke arrived.

According to one source, some of the hoodlums were involved in a heated argument before gunshots were fired. The cause of the altercation and the intended target of the shooting were not immediately established.

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A shop owner close to the palace, Laide Misture, said residents began hearing gunshots a few minutes after the governor and his entourage entered the palace.

She said the shooting came from the direction of the main gate, while members of the governor’s security team responded from inside the palace.

The gunfire reportedly lasted for almost three minutes before the suspected hoodlums fled the area in their vehicle.

Osun government confirms shooting

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that gunshots were fired as the governor’s convoy was leaving the palace.

Alimi said Adeleke’s security personnel engaged the suspected hoodlums, but the circumstances that led to the shooting remained unclear.

“It is true there were gunshots when we were exiting the palace and the governor’s security team had to go and engage them,” he said.

The commissioner added that officials only heard there had been an altercation between some groups outside the palace. He said it was not immediately known what caused the confrontation or which groups were involved.

The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke received his INEC certificate of return and visited the Ataoja of Osogbo as part of activities following his electoral victory.