Tension briefly gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums opened fire around the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke visited the monarch.
The incident occurred after the governor received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission and proceeded to the traditional ruler’s palace to celebrate his electoral victory.
According to reports, the suspected hoodlums had allegedly gathered around the palace area before the governor’s arrival. They were reportedly in an unregistered Toyota Sienna vehicle, while an argument involving some individuals was said to have taken place before gunshots were heard.
Witnesses said the situation became tense shortly after Adeleke and members of his entourage entered the palace.
A nearby shop owner, Laide Mistura, said gunfire suddenly erupted from the direction of the palace entrance while the governor’s security personnel responded to the situation.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted for several minutes before the suspected attackers fled the area in their vehicle.
The incident reportedly caused confusion among people around the palace as the security personnel moved to secure the area and protect the governor and other members of the entourage.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what triggered the confrontation and the intended target of the attackers, remained unclear at the time of the report.
Confirming that there had been gunshots in the area, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said suspected hoodlums were involved in the incident.
Alimi explained that the governor’s security team had to respond after gunfire was heard as the entourage was preparing to leave the palace.
He, however, said authorities had not established what led to the confrontation or identified the groups involved in the initial altercation.
According to the commissioner, information available to the government suggested that an argument had taken place between some groups outside the palace before the shooting began.
The incident has raised concerns over security around public officials and traditional institutions, particularly following a politically significant event in the state.
Despite the shooting, the governor and his entourage were reportedly able to leave the palace after the security personnel intervened.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the identities and motives of those involved.
The shooting also comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State following the governorship election and the subsequent presentation of the certificate of return to Governor Adeleke.