Tension erupted at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums reportedly exchanged gunfire during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the monarch.
The incident happened shortly after Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo.
The governor had visited the palace as part of his thank-you tour when gunshots suddenly rang out, sending traders and shop owners around the Oja Oba area running for safety.
The governor and members of his entourage were not targeted in the incident.
However, his security personnel reportedly responded with gunfire to disperse the suspected hoodlums and clear the way for the governor’s convoy to leave the palace.
A source at the palace said the suspected hoodlums had arrived in an unmarked Toyota Sienna vehicle and were reportedly involved in an argument before the shooting started.
A trader, identified as Azeez Makanjuola, said the shooting lasted for about three minutes.
“The guys were shooting from inside the main gate while the governor’s security team responded from inside the palace,” he said.
According to him, the suspected hoodlums fled in their vehicle after the exchange, while the governor’s convoy later left the palace.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that gunshots were fired during the governor’s exit.
Alimi, however, said the government had yet to establish what triggered the incident or identify the groups involved in the reported altercation.
He said security personnel attached to the governor engaged the suspected hoodlums after gunshots were heard.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over security around the palace and the safety of residents, traders and visitors in the busy Oja Oba area.