Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State came under attack by suspected hoodlums on Wednesday in Osogbo, the state capital.
The incident occurred shortly after the governor visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where he presented his Certificate of Return following his re-election.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan area and opened fire as Adeleke’s convoy prepared to leave the palace.
The shooting reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the suspected attackers and the governor’s security personnel.
An eyewitness said Adeleke had already entered his bus with some of his aides when the gunshots began.
She alleged that the assailants also fired at the palace gate, damaging part of the entrance, before security operatives pushed them back.
Traders Flee as Gunmen Engage Convoy Near Central Mosque
A trader near the palace, identified as Munirat, said residents and business owners were forced to flee the area during the incident.
According to her, the attackers later engaged the governor’s convoy near the Osogbo Central Mosque before escaping towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
The attack reportedly caused panic among residents, traders and other people in the area, many of whom abandoned their businesses and sought safety.
Adeleke had visited the Ataoja after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he received his Certificate of Return following his victory in the recent governorship election.
Government Confirms Attack, Rules Out Casualties
Confirming the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the attackers as hoodlums and said security personnel successfully repelled them.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
No casualty was reported in the attack.
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