Osun: Hoodlums attack Adeleke’s convoy

Suspected hoodlums Wednesday attacked attacked the convoy of governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:15 PM, shortly after the governor arrived at the royal palace in a 20-vehicle motorcade, sparked a intense 15-minute exchange of gunfire with security personnel.

Governor Adeleke had visited the monarch after receiving Certificate of Return for a second term from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osogbo.

Sources revealed that governor Adeleke had successfully met with the monarch and presented his certificate to receive royal blessings.

It was gathered that trouble began as the event concluded and the governor exited through a private doorway reserved for the monarch and his family.

Eyewitnesses reported that a group of armed assailants arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus via the Ita Olokan area and laid siege to the palace.

“We suspected those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him,” said a local trader.

“They damaged the main gate to the palace and shot at it, but the security men pushed them back.”

Another eyewitness recounted that the heavy gunfire lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the governor’s security team managed to secure the area and clear a path for the convoy to depart.

The attackers reportedly pursued and engaged the convoy again near the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing toward Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The sudden violence sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, forcing panicked traders and residents to abandon their businesses and seek immediate shelter.

Sporadic gunshots continued to echo across parts of the city well into the late afternoon, prompting widespread business closures.

Confirming the incident, the Osun state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, assured the public that the governor and his team were safe.

“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at the Ataoja’s palace, but no casualties were recorded,” Alimi said.