Osun State Police Command has disclosed that Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was the intended target of the attack that disrupted the convoy of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
The incident occurred on Wednesday shortly after Governor Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor had proceeded to the Ataoja’s palace in the company of Davido, his nephew, who actively participated in the election campaign, as well as members of his family.
Eyewitnesses in the Oja Oba area of Osogbo said the exchange of gunfire triggered panic among residents, with sporadic shooting lasting for more than 15 minutes. Security personnel attached to the governor reportedly returned fire after unidentified armed men confronted the convoy.
Providing details of the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary investigations indicated that suspected members of the Eye Confraternity were attempting to reach Davido.
“One Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as ‘Small Rugged’, an ex convict, a suspected notorious thug and a member of eye confraternity allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of his security Team.
“The ensuing confrontation reportedly attracted other suspected gang members in the vicinity, who temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed the movement of the convoy of the Governor.”
The police spokesperson confirmed that a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, lost his life during the violence.
“Shortly afterwards, the suspected gang members reportedly departed the vicinity and, however on their way, they allegedly shot Tajudeen Yusuf at Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
“Upon receiving the information, the police immediately mobilised a patrol team to the scene, where the victim was found lying in a pool of blood. He was promptly rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead by the doctors on duty.”
Ojelabi said the command had launched a comprehensive investigation into the attack and was working to track down those responsible.
“The Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to identify, apprehend and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo, strongly condemns the dastardly act and assures members of the public that the Command will deploy all available resources to apprehend those responsible.
“The Command therefore urges anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to promptly approach the nearest police station or contact the Command through its official channels. Members of the public are also advised to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”
The police spokesman reiterated that a full-scale investigation is underway, assuring residents that further updates would be released as inquiries progress.
