Political tension in Osun as Adeleke accuses APC over attack on Osogbo monarch

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, was shot at by armed thugs during a violent invasion of his palace, in what he described as a politically motivated attack linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement posted on Sunday, Adeleke claimed the attackers were sponsored by elements within the APC and said the monarch was targeted because of his open support for his re-election bid.

According to the governor, the assault on the palace was not only an attack on the traditional ruler but also on the people of Osogbo who, he said, had chosen to support his administration.

“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 monarch was attacked because he publicly endorsed him for a second term, a position that allegedly angered political opponents within the APC in Osun State.

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

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Adeleke also called on the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru, who hails from Osogbo, to intervene and rein in party members allegedly involved in the violence.

“Osun APC has gone too far — and I am directly challenging the National Secretary of the APC… to call his party members to order,” he said.

He further urged security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to urgently investigate the incident, warning that political violence must not be allowed to escalate ahead of future elections.

In a video shared by the governor, the Ataoja of Osogbo recounted how he survived the incident, saying the attack occurred during a wider outbreak of violence in Osogbo and nearby areas.

The monarch said the same day his son—who chairs a political party in the state—was also shot by gunmen.

“On that day, some gunmen shot my son… They also attacked me in the palace that same day. But I survived the attack,” the traditional ruler said.

He further revealed that one of the suspects had been arrested and remanded, while urging peace and calling on political actors to resolve their differences through dialogue and democratic processes.

The incident comes amid heightened political tension between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun and the APC ahead of forthcoming electoral contests in the state.

In recent weeks, the state has witnessed a series of violent incidents and counter-allegations between political camps, including shootings and claims of political intimidation.

On June 4, the chairman of the Accord Party in Osun was reportedly shot in Osogbo in what was described as an assassination attempt, while both parties have continued to trade accusations over responsibility for rising insecurity.

Authorities are yet to issue an official security report on the alleged attack at the Ataoja’s palace.