Gunfire Erupts in Osogbo as Hoodlums Attack Adeleke’s Convoy

Tension and panic gripped parts of Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident reportedly triggered an exchange of gunfire between the suspected attackers and security personnel attached to the governor, with the shooting lasting approximately 12 to 15 minutes.

Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace around 3:15 p.m. in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election.

During the palace visit, the governor reportedly met with the monarch and presented his Certificate of Return to the traditional ruler.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, trouble began shortly after the meeting ended and the monarch had offered prayers.

The witness said Adeleke had already exited the hall through a passage reserved for the monarch and his wives and was inside a vehicle with some close aides when heavy gunfire suddenly erupted.

She alleged that the suspected attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area and opened fire.

“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 operating near the palace, identified simply as Munirat, also said the attackers might have known about the governor’s visit and positioned themselves in anticipation of his arrival.

She claimed the assailants damaged the palace’s main gate and fired towards the entrance before security personnel pushed them back.

According to her, residents and traders immediately abandoned their businesses and ran to safety as the gunfire intensified.

She further alleged that the attackers later engaged the governor’s security team near the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The incident caused widespread panic around the palace and adjoining areas, with several traders reportedly shutting their shops and residents seeking shelter.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the attackers as hoodlums.

Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attack and disclosed that no casualty was recorded.

“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said.

As of 4:45 p.m., sporadic gunshots were reportedly still being heard around the area, while business owners hurriedly closed their shops amid fears of further violence.

Security authorities had yet to publicly identify the attackers or establish their motive as of the time of filing this report.