There was tension in Osogbo on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, shortly after his visit to the palace of Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo.
Adeleke had visited the monarch after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor arrived at the palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles. Trouble reportedly started shortly after the monarch offered prayers for Adeleke, with suspected hoodlums opening fire and security personnel attached to the governor responding.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the assailants fled the area.
A witness said the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna vehicle through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo and began shooting around the palace.
The incident caused panic among traders and residents in the area, with some reportedly abandoning their businesses and fleeing for safety.
Kolapo Alimi, commissioner for information and public enlightenment, confirmed the attack and said the governor’s security personnel repelled the assailants.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson for the Osun police command, said he was yet to receive the exact details of the incident but promised that the command would issue an official statement.
The incident comes days after Adeleke was re-elected as governor of Osun state in the August 15 governorship election.
Ojo Triumph
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