Gunmen Open Fire In Osogbo During Gov Adeleke’s Palace Visit

Gunmen suspected to be political thugs on Wednesday opened fire near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was visiting the monarch.

The incident occurred as the governor and his entourage were being received by the traditional ruler, shortly after Adeleke collected his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osogbo.

Adeleke arrived at the palace at about 3:15 p.m. in a convoy of about 20 vehicles and was reportedly presenting his Certificate of Return to the monarch when the shooting started.

Sources said the gunmen, who reportedly arrived in a Sienna bus, exchanged fire with security personnel attached to the governor for between 12 and 15 minutes.

The shooting sparked panic around the palace, forcing traders, residents and other people in the area to flee their businesses and seek shelter.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the incident but said the shooting may have been the result of a clash between rival cult groups.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached on his telephone lines.

The incident came on the same day Adeleke announced measures to support families affected by electoral violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor said children and dependants of people who lost their lives in election-related violence would receive automatic scholarships up to university level.

He also announced plans to establish a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to provide relief and support to verified victims and their families.