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Suspected gunmen on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where he had gone following the presentation of his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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The attack triggered a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the suspected assailants and security personnel attached to the governor, with eyewitnesses saying the shooting lasted for between 12 and 15 minutes before the attackers fled.
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Witnesses said the suspected hoodlums arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area and allegedly opened fire around the palace, damaging the main gate and later engaging the governor’s security personnel near the Osogbo Central Mosque.
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The attack sent traders, residents and other occupants of the area scrambling for safety, with business owners abandoning their shops and hurriedly shutting down their businesses as sporadic gunshots continued around the area.
August 19, (THEWILL) — Suspected gunmen on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire and sending residents and traders in the area into panic.
THEWILL reports that the attack occurred on a day Adeleke formally received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his re-election on Saturday as governor of the state.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after the governor left the palace of the traditional ruler, where he had met with the Ataoja and presented his Certificate of Return. Adeleke arrived at the palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade comprising approximately 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of INEC in Osogbo.
According to an eyewitness who spoke with THEWILL on condition of anonymity, the governor and his entourage were received by Oba Oyetunji, with the meeting proceeding peacefully until it was brought to a close.
The witness said Adeleke had already left the palace hall through an exit traditionally reserved for the monarch and his wives when gunfire suddenly erupted. She said the governor had entered the bus conveying him and his close aides when heavy gunshots were heard.
“He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots”, the eyewitness said.
According to her, the suspected attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo and engaged the governor’s security personnel in a gun battle.
“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 added.
Assailants Allegedly Target Palace Gate
Another witness said the suspected attackers may have been aware of the governor’s visit and allegedly positioned themselves around the area ahead of his arrival. She claimed the assailants arrived in a Sienna space bus and damaged the main gate of the palace during the attack.
“We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace,” she said, adding that the attackers fired towards the palace’s main gate but were resisted by security personnel.
“They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back. We all ran away and left our wares”, she said, adding that the attackers later engaged the governor’s security personnel around the Osogbo Central Mosque before retreating towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.
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Government Confirms Attack
The Osun State Government confirmed that the governor’s convoy came under attack but said the situation was brought under control by his security personnel.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the attackers as hoodlums and said they were successfully repelled.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty”, Alimi said.
As of press time, the motive of the attackers remained unclear, while security authorities had yet to announce any arrests.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
