A visit by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo turned tense after a confrontation involving rival groups outside the monarch’s residence escalated into gunfire.
The incident occurred during the governor’s courtesy visit, which he made alongside his nephew and Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
The confrontation reportedly forced the governor’s security personnel to act quickly as armed men engaged in an exchange of gunfire around the palace.
Security Forces Move to Clear the Area
As tensions rose, members of the governor’s security team reportedly fired into the air and deployed tear gas in an effort to disperse the groups involved.
The intervention eventually allowed Adeleke’s convoy to leave the palace with Davido.
The violence, however, did not end at the palace.
A separate shooting was later reported in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo, where one person was allegedly killed.
Police Link Clash to Attempted Access to Davido
Osun State Police Command spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the initial confrontation began when a known political thug, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido.
According to the police account, Davido’s security personnel resisted the attempt, triggering a confrontation that attracted members of Taoreed’s alleged cult group.
Ojelabi said the situation subsequently escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the groups.
Palace Entrance Temporarily Blocked
The police spokesperson said the group involved in the confrontation temporarily blocked the entrance to the monarch’s palace.
Security personnel eventually overpowered the men and cleared the route, allowing the governor and Davido to leave the area safely.
The incident raised tensions around the palace as security officers attempted to prevent the confrontation from spreading while the governor’s convoy was being evacuated.
One Person Reportedly Shot Dead Later
Police said the alleged cult group later moved away from the palace towards the Ayepe area.
It was subsequently reported that a 60-year-old man identified as Tajudeen Yusuf was shot in the Ita-Olokan area.
The circumstances surrounding the second shooting remain part of the police investigation, although authorities confirmed that the incident had been reported.
Police Launch Investigation Into the Violence
Ojelabi confirmed that detectives have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding both the confrontation and the subsequent shooting.
Police Commissioner (Election) Samuel Etaifo also said resources would be deployed to identify and arrest the suspect or suspects connected to the violence.
Authorities are expected to establish how the confrontation developed, identify those responsible for the gunfire and determine whether the two incidents were directly connected.
Davido Says Fight Was Unrelated to Their Visit
Davido sought to distance himself and the governor from the confrontation, saying the violence occurred outside the palace and had nothing to do with their visit.
In a post on X, the singer said the incident was a fight outside the palace and insisted that it was unrelated to them.
His comments came as footage and reports of the disturbance circulated following the governor’s visit.
Political Gathering Overshadowed by Violence
The incident has drawn attention because it occurred during the governor’s public engagement at the traditional ruler’s palace and involved a security confrontation surrounding a high-profile celebrity.
The reported death at Ita-Olokan has further heightened concern over the use of firearms during disputes involving political and cult-linked groups.
While the police have confirmed that an investigation is under way, several details surrounding the fatal shooting remain subject to official findings.
What Happens Next?
Police investigators are expected to pursue those allegedly involved in the gun exchange and the later shooting of Yusuf.
Authorities will also have to determine the sequence of events between the palace confrontation and the fatal incident in Ita-Olokan, while efforts to arrest the identified suspect are expected to continue.
The investigation will be closely watched as police work to establish responsibility and prevent further violence in Osogbo.
Summary
A courtesy visit by Governor Ademola Adeleke to the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace descended into violence after a confrontation involving groups outside the palace reportedly led to gunfire.
Police said the clash began after Adebayo Taoreed, known as “Small Rugged”, allegedly attempted to reach Davido and was stopped by his security personnel.
The confrontation reportedly escalated when other members of his group became involved.
Although the governor and Davido were able to leave safely, police later reported that a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, was shot in Ita-Olokan.
Authorities have opened an investigation and said resources will be deployed to apprehend those responsible.
