There was tension in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident occurred as Adeleke visited the monarch to present the certificate of return issued to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor arrived at the palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles and had reportedly received prayers from the monarch when the suspected attackers opened fire on the convoy.
The shooting, according to reports, lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, triggering an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and the governor’s security personnel.
The incident was confirmed by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attackers.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said, according to Punch.
TheCable reported that the police were yet to establish the full details of the incident as of the time of filing the report.
The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he had not received the exact details of the incident when contacted, but promised that the command would issue an official statement.
The attack came days after Adeleke was declared the winner of the August 15 governorship election, in which he secured another term in office.
The development has heightened tension in the state, coming shortly after the governorship election and amid heightened political activities surrounding the outcome of the poll.
