Just In: Governor Adeleke Claims Political Thugs Shot at Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Larooye Inside Palace
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, was targeted in a shooting incident within his palace by suspected political thugs.
Adeleke made the allegation in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, claiming that the monarch was attacked for publicly endorsing his bid for a second term in office.
According to the governor, the endorsement did not sit well with certain political actors in the state.
“The Ataoja of Osogbo, one of Nigeria’s most revered royal fathers, said he was shot at by political thugs inside his own palace. His subjects were hit by live bullets. Kabiyesi himself was the target,” Adeleke wrote.
“Why? Because he stood with his people. Because he chose good governance over thuggery. Yet, Kabiyesi stood tall and declared that Osogbo would continue to stand for progress.”
The governor condemned the alleged attack and called on political leaders and stakeholders in the state to caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace.
“Political violence has no place in our democracy. Those behind this act must be called to order and made to face the consequences of their actions,” Adeleke said.
He further described the alleged attack on the monarch as an assault on the people of Osogbo and urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation.
“Enough is enough. I call on the Inspector-General of Police to act urgently. Desperate politicians must be exposed and brought to justice,” he added.
Monarch Recounts Ordeal:
In a video attached to Adeleke’s post, the Ataoja of Osogbo narrated how he survived the attack during the recent wave of violence reported in Osogbo and Ede.
The monarch spoke on Saturday at an event organised by the Ajegunle Tradesmen and Artisans Group, where he publicly endorsed Governor Adeleke for a second term.
According to Oba Larooye, the incident occurred on the same day his son, who chairs a political party in the state, was shot by gunmen.
“On that day, some gunmen shot my son, who is the chairman of a political party in Osun State. They also attacked me in the palace that same day, but I survived the attack,” the monarch said.
“As I speak, with the support of my governor and our leaders, the suspect responsible is currently in custody in Ilesa. Since then, I have continued to pray, and we will keep managing the situation peacefully.”
The royal father appealed to political actors in the state to embrace peace and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of elections through the ballot box.
Rising Political Tension
The development comes amid growing political tension in Osun State ahead of future electoral contests.
On June 4, 2026, the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, survived an assassination attempt after he was shot by gunmen in Osogbo.
Days later, political accusations intensified, with rival camps trading allegations over violence and the deployment of security personnel.
The latest claims by Governor Adeleke are expected to further heighten political debates in the state as stakeholders await the outcome of ongoing investigations into the incidents.