The Osun State APC has accused political thugs loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke of being behind Tuesday’s deadly gunfire in Osogbo that claimed the life of a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf.
The allegation came hours after the governor, accompanied by his nephew, music star Davido, paid a courtesy visit to the Ataoja’s Palace, an event that ended in chaos as suspected hoodlums clashed with Davido’s security team.
In a statement, the APC Governorship Campaign Council said the violence was not random, but a direct fallout of thuggery it claims the Adeleke administration has allowed to fester, and called on the governor to rein in his supporters “before they plunge Osun into lawlessness.”
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Palace Visit Descends Into Chaos
Tension erupted shortly after the governor and Davido left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.
According to the Osun Police Command, ex-convict Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged,” allegedly tried to force his way to Davido but was blocked by the musician’s security. The resistance triggered a confrontation that drew other suspected gang members, who reportedly blocked the palace entrance and held up the governor’s convoy.
Amid the scuffle, Yusuf from Oke-Ayepe was allegedly shot at Itaolokan. Police PRO, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers found him in a pool of blood and rushed him to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was pronounced dead. Residents and passers-by scampered to safety as gunshots echoed around the palace axis. The convoy later left safely while the suspected gang members dispersed.
APC Points Fingers At Adeleke Camp
The APC condemned the killing and directly linked it to the governor’s political network. In a statement signed by Head of Media, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the party said Small Rugged is associated with Governor Adeleke’s camp.
“Governor Adeleke should call his thugs, supporters and political appointees to order,” the APC said, describing the incident as disturbing.
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The party also referenced an earlier clash between supporters of two of the governor’s appointees, Alowonle and Emir, over motor park control, arguing that the Osogbo shooting fits a pattern. It urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, warning that unchecked violence threatens Osun’s peace.
One Dead, Investigation Underway
The APC Campaign Council commiserated with Yusuf’s family and those injured. Police said a full-scale investigation has commenced to identify and arrest fleeing suspects.
Ojelabi assured residents that patrol teams have been mobilised to prevent further breakdown of law and order, and appealed for useful information from the public.
With one life lost and fresh accusations flying, Osogbo is now grappling with both grief and renewed fears that political disagreements are slipping back into street violence.
