Gun battle erupts as hoodlums clash with Adeleke’s security team in Osogbo

A gun battle reportedly broke out between suspected hoodlums and security personnel attached to the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the governor’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

The governor had proceeded to the traditional ruler’s palace to celebrate his electoral victory when the shooting occurred.

Sources at the palace said some suspected hoodlums had allegedly gathered around the area in an unregistered Toyota Sienna before Adeleke’s arrival.

According to the sources, the suspects were reportedly involved in an argument before gunshots were heard. However, the reason for the altercation and the intended target of the shooting remained unclear.

A shop owner near the palace, Laide Misture, said gunshots erupted a few minutes after the governor and his entourage entered the palace.

“The guys were shooting from inside the main gate while the governor’s security team responded from inside the palace,” the source said.

She added that the exchange of gunfire lasted for about three minutes before the suspected hoodlums fled the area in their vehicle.

The shooting reportedly occurred before the governor’s convoy could leave the palace.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said suspected hoodlums were involved.

“It is true there were gunshots when we were exiting the palace and the governor’s security team had to go and engage them. But the circumstances that led to the shooting in the first place, we do not know,” Alimi said.

He added that officials were only informed of an altercation involving some groups outside the palace before the shooting began.

“We only heard that there was an altercation between some groups outside the palace, and we don’t know what caused it or which groups were involved,” he said.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over security in Osun State, coming shortly after the governorship election, which was marked by reports of violence in some parts of the state.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.