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Suspected armed hoodlums on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, triggering a gun battle with security operatives.
The attack occurred moments after the governor concluded a visit to the monarch following his receipt of a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his re-election.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who reportedly arrived in a Sienna bus, opened fire near the palace, prompting the governor's security personnel to respond.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes before the attackers fled the area.
Witnesses said the governor had already left the palace hall and was inside his vehicle when the shooting began.
A trader near the palace alleged that the attackers appeared to have laid in wait for the governor's convoy and damaged the palace gate during the attack before fleeing towards the Ita Olokan area.
The incident caused panic in the area as traders and residents abandoned their businesses and ran for safety.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack, saying security operatives attached to the governor successfully repelled the assailants.
He said no casualty was recorded during the incident.
As of Wednesday evening, security had been reinforced around the area, while sporadic gunshots were reportedly heard in parts of Osogbo as authorities worked to restore calm.
Police had yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
