Gunmen Attack Adeleke’s Convoy After Visit to Ataoja’s Palace

Suspected thugs on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security operatives attached to the governor.

The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace, where he had met with the traditional ruler following his visit to the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo to receive his Certificate of Return after his re-election.

Adeleke arrived at the palace around 3:15 p.m. in a convoy of about 20 vehicles and was received by the Ataoja.

An eyewitness, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch during the visit.

According to the eyewitness, trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch had offered prayers.

She said Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit usually reserved for the monarch and his wives and was in the vehicle conveying him and his close aides when gunshots erupted.

“He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots.

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

“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.”

The incident caused tension around the palace and its surrounding areas as security personnel reportedly engaged the suspected attackers before the governor’s convoy eventually departed.

As of the time of filing this report, details of possible casualties or arrests had not been officially confirmed.