Political Violence: Ataoja Says Gunmen Attacked Him in Palace as Adeleke Points Finger at APC

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring thugs who allegedly attacked the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, during a recent outbreak of violence in the state.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, Adeleke claimed that the revered monarch was the target of a shooting incident carried out by armed political thugs who invaded the palace.

According to the governor, the attack was allegedly motivated by the monarch’s public endorsement of his bid for a second term in office.

Adeleke alleged that the traditional ruler came under gunfire within the palace premises and that several of his subjects were struck by bullets during the incident.

“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,” the governor wrote.

“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.’”

Adeleke Challenges APC National Secretary

The governor also directed criticism at the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru, whom he described as a prominent son of Osogbo.

Adeleke challenged Bashiru to intervene and call members of his party to order, questioning why the palace of a respected traditional ruler would become a target of political violence.

“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,” Adeleke said.

“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.”

The governor stressed that any attack on the Ataoja should be regarded as an attack on the entire Osogbo community, warning against the growing trend of politically motivated violence.

He further called on the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

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

Monarch Narrates Ordeal

In a video attached to the governor’s post, the Ataoja of Osogbo recounted his experience during the violence that reportedly affected parts of Osogbo and Ede.

Speaking at an event organised by the Ajegunle Tradesmen and Artisans Group on Saturday, where he publicly endorsed Adeleke for another term, the monarch disclosed that the attack occurred on the same day his son was shot by armed men.

According to the traditional ruler, his son, who serves as the chairman of a political party in Osun State, was targeted by gunmen before the attackers allegedly turned their attention to the palace.

“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,” the monarch said.

The Ataoja revealed that one of the suspects linked to the incident had already been remanded in custody in Ilesa, adding that he had continued to pray for peace and stability since 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,” he stated.

The monarch also appealed to political stakeholders across the state to embrace peaceful democratic processes and resolve their differences through elections rather than violence.

The allegations have further heightened political tensions in Osun State as preparations gradually begin for future electoral contests, with calls mounting for security agencies to investigate the claims and ensure that peace is maintained across the state.