Tension engulfed parts of Osogbo in Osun State on Wednesday when suspected hoodlums opened fire near the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace.
The event coincided with Adeleke’s receipt of his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his triumph in the August 15 governorship election.
Reports indicate that the governor arrived at the traditional ruler’s palace in a convoy of about 20 vehicles around 3:15 p.m. to present his certificate and receive royal blessings.
As the governor’s visit concluded, trouble emerged around the palace vicinity.
Suspected hoodlums allegedly arrived in an unregistered vehicle and initiated gunfire, prompting security personnel in the governor’s convoy to respond.
The exchange reportedly lasted several minutes, with estimates ranging from 12 to 15 minutes. This violence incited panic amongst local residents and traders, causing some businesses to close as people sought safety.
Kolapo Alimi, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, confirmed that suspected hoodlums attacked the governor’s convoy but noted that security forces successfully repelled the attackers.
Initially, reports suggested no casualties; however, the Osun State Police Command later confirmed that a 60-year-old man, identified as Tajudeen Yusuf, was fatally shot in the Itaolokan area during the incident. A full-scale investigation is underway to uncover details and identify those involved.
The police noted that the confrontation followed an alleged attempt by a suspected thug to approach singer David Adeleke, also known as Davido, who was accompanying Governor Adeleke.
Davido addressed the incident afterward, clarifying that the confrontation outside the palace was unrelated to him and the governor.
This shooting occurred just hours after Adeleke formally received his Certificate of Return from INEC. Prior, the governor had announced a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund and scholarships for children and dependents of those who lost their lives during the electoral process.
The recent violence has once again raised concerns about political and street violence in Osun after the governorship election. Further details from police authorities are anticipated as investigations continue.
