Osogbo Palace Attack: Governor Ademola Adeleke alleges APC-linked thugs attacked the Ataoja of Osogbo during recent violence in Osun State

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has alleged that armed thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) carried out a violent attack on the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, during recent unrest in Osogbo, in what he described as an attempt to target the monarch.

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In a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, Adeleke claimed that the monarch was attacked after publicly expressing political support for his re-election bid.

According to the governor, the incident, which he described as an Osogbo Palace Attack, involved armed individuals who allegedly opened fire within the palace premises, leaving residents injured.

“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,” Adeleke wrote.

He further alleged that the attack was politically motivated, linking it to the monarch’s reported endorsement of his second-term ambition.

“Why? Because he stood with his people. Because he chose good governance over thuggery,” the governor stated.

Adeleke also directly challenged APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, urging him to rein in members of his party and address the alleged incident, describing him as a son of Osogbo.

“Osun APC has gone too far,” Adeleke said, calling for accountability and condemning what he described as escalating political violence in the state.

He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to launch an urgent investigation into the incident, insisting that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice.

“The Osogbo is bleeding. Silence is a choice,” he added.

In a separate account, the Ataoja of Osogbo confirmed that he survived an attack during recent unrest in Osogbo and Ede, speaking at a gathering of artisans and tradesmen.

The monarch said he was targeted during the violence and that his son was also injured in the incident, adding that security operatives had since arrested a suspect linked to the unrest.

“As I speak to you, with the consent of my governor and our leaders, the culprit is now in remand in Ilesa,” the traditional ruler said.

He noted that he had continued to pray for peace in the community despite the tensions surrounding the incident.

The allegations and counterclaims come amid rising political tensions in Osun State ahead of the next governorship election, with stakeholders exchanging accusations over a series of violent episodes reported across parts of the state.

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Security agencies are yet to issue an official detailed statement on the alleged Osogbo Palace Attack as of the time of filing this report.