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

There was panic in Osun State capital, Osogbo, on Wednesday as suspected cultists clashed near the Palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo,Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Laaroye, leading to sporadic gunshots in the area. Sources within the governor’s entourage and individuals close to the Government House said that the clash erupted while Osun State’s newly re‑elected Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was inside the palace premises. "Cultists clashed today and started shooting sporadically. The shooting happened when the governor, Adeleke, was within the premises of the Ataoja of Osogbo Palace. The clash also happened near the palace," one of the sources said. Another source clarified that the incident was not targeted at the governor and that his convoy was not involved in the clash. "The Palace of the Ataoja is in a big area, but the governor was not targeted nor his convoy involved,” the source said. It was gathered that the situation later died down after security personnel intervened. However, it was unclear as of the time of filing this report whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident. Multiple sources familiar with the development also said that Adeleke was not injured and was not in any way affected by the incident. "The governor was not involved in the attack," one of the sources said. The incident comes amid growing concerns over the reported spate of cult-related attacks and violence in Osun State, particularly in Osogbo. Efforts to reach the state police command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, for comments on his mobile line failed.