Adeleke Alleges APC Thugs Shot At Ataoja In Palace

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, was shot at by thugs during a recent invasion of his palace.

Naija News reports that Adeleke, in a post on 𝕏 on Sunday, claimed that the thugs were sponsored by the All Progressives Congress.

The governor alleged that the monarch was attacked because he publicly endorsed him for a second term in office.

Adeleke said the Ataoja came under attack inside his palace, adding that some of his subjects were hit by bullets.

He wrote, “The Ataoja of Osogbo, one of Nigeria’s most revered royal fathers, said he was shot at by APC thugs inside his own palace. His subjects were hit by live bullets. Kabiyesi himself was the target.

“Why? Because he stood with his people. Because he chose good governance over thuggery. And yet Kabiyesi stood tall and declared: ‘Osogbo will stand for Imole’.”

The governor urged the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru, whom he described as a son of Osogbo, to call members of his party to order.

Adeleke said, “Osun APC has gone too far, and I am directly challenging the National Secretary of the APC, a son of Osogbo, to call his party members to order.

“Why did they send thugs to your father’s palace? Why did they desecrate the throne that raised you?

“Your party did this. Your royal father was the target. Your Osogbo is bleeding. Silence is a choice. Make yours wisely.”

Adeleke said an attack on the Ataoja was an attack on every son and daughter of Osogbo.

“Enough is enough. I call on the Inspector-General of Police to act urgently. Desperate politicians must be exposed and disgraced,” he said.

In a video attached to the governor’s post, the Ataoja recounted how he survived an attack during the recent violence in Osogbo and Ede.

The monarch spoke on Saturday at a gathering organised by the Ajegunle Tradesmen and Artisans Group, where he endorsed Adeleke for a second term.

He said the incident occurred on the same day one of his sons, who chairs a political party in the state, was shot by gunmen.

The monarch said, “On that day, some gunmen shot my son, who is the head of a political party in Osun. They also attacked me in the palace that same day. But I survived the attack.

“As I speak to you, with the consent of my governor and our leaders, the culprit is now in remand in Ilesa. Since then, I have not stopped praying. We shall continue to manage the issues.”

The monarch appealed to political actors in the state to resolve their disputes through the ballot.