By Chibuike Nkwede
OSOGBO — Tension erupted in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday as suspected hoodlums engaged security personnel attached to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy in a gun battle at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and proceeded to the monarch’s palace to celebrate his electoral victory.
Sources at the palace said some suspected hoodlums had allegedly positioned themselves around the area in an unregistered Toyota Sienna before the governor’s arrival.
According to the sources, an argument reportedly broke out among some individuals outside the palace before gunshots suddenly rang out.
The motive for the altercation, as well as the intended target of the shooting, remained unclear as of press time.
A shop owner operating near the palace, Laide Misture, said gunfire erupted shortly after the governor and his entourage entered the palace.
She said the suspected hoodlums reportedly fired shots from around the main gate, prompting members of the governor’s security team to respond.
According to her, the exchange of gunfire lasted for about three minutes before the suspected attackers fled the area in the Sienna vehicle.
The incident reportedly occurred before the governor’s convoy could leave the palace.
Confirming the shooting, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said suspected hoodlums were responsible for the incident.
Alimi, however, said authorities were yet to establish what triggered the confrontation or identify the groups involved in the initial altercation.
He said the governor’s security personnel responded after gunshots were heard as the convoy prepared to leave the palace.
“It is true there were gunshots when we were exiting the palace and the governor’s security team had to go and engage them,” the commissioner said.
He added that officials were only aware of reports of an altercation between different groups outside the palace but had yet to determine what sparked the confrontation.
The incident has raised concerns over security in the state, particularly as the shooting occurred at a traditional palace shortly after the governor’s public engagement.
No official confirmation was immediately available on casualties or arrests arising from the incident.