Gunshots were reportedly fired near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Wednesday, triggering panic as Governor Ademola Adeleke was paying a visit to the monarch.
The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke arrived at the palace following his collection of the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo.
According to eyewitness accounts, the shooting involved gunmen who reportedly arrived in a space bus and engaged the governor’s security personnel in an exchange of gunfire lasting between 12 and 15 minutes.
Adeleke had reached the palace at about 3:15 p.m. in a convoy of roughly 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State INEC office, where he received his Certificate of Return for winning the August 15 governorship election.
The governor was reportedly being received by Oba Oyetunji when the shooting occurred, with Adeleke said to have presented his election certificate to the traditional ruler during the visit.
The gunfire reportedly sent residents, traders and other people in the vicinity scrambling for safety as businesses were hurriedly shut.
Confirming the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the incident may have resulted from a clash between rival cult groups.
Efforts to obtain further details 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 recorded ahead of the governorship election.
The governor said children and dependants of people killed during the election-related violence would be granted automatic scholarships through university.
He also announced the creation of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund, aimed at providing relief and support to verified victims and families affected by the violence.
