ELECTION VICTORY: Attempt on Adeleke’s life as gunshots aim Osun Gov’s convoy
By KEMI KASUMU
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he was quoted as saying.
Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday August 19, 2026 after suspected hoodlums believed to be political thugs reportedly opened fire on the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, to present his Certificate of Return issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor reportedly arrived at the palace around 3:15 pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles.
According to reports, attackers opened fire on the convoy after the governor received prayers from the monarch, prompting security personnel attached to Adeleke to respond.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, causing panic in the area.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the incident, describing the attackers as hoodlums.
Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attackers and disclosed that no casualty was recorded.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command said it was yet to receive full details of the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the police would issue an official statement once the circumstances surrounding the shooting had been established.
The incident comes days after Adeleke was declared winner of the Osun governorship election, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other candidates.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible for the shooting.
