The Nigeria Police command in Osun State Police, has stated that Nigerian music star David Adeleke (Davido), was the intended target of the attack that disrupted the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke, during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
This was even as the Police command in Osun State has vowed to launch a full-scale investigation into the unfortunate incident and assured residents that further updates would be released as inquiries progress.
The incident took on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, shortly after Governor Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and proceeded to the Ataoja’s palace in the company of Davido, his nephew and other members of his family.
Eyewitnesses in the Oja Oba area of Osogbo said the exchange of gunfire triggered panic among residents as sporadic shooting lasted for about 15 minutes.
This was as security personnel attached to Governor Adeleke reportedly returned fire after unidentified armed men that stormed the palace opened fire on the convoy that was about departing for Government House, Oshogbo.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary investigations indicated that suspected members of the Eye Confraternity were attempting to target Davido.
According to Ojelabi; “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,” he explained.
The spokesperson of the Osun State police command confirmed that a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, lost his life during the attack.
He further said; “Shortly afterwards, the suspected gang members reportedly departed the vicinity. 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 on arrival by the doctors on duty,” Ojelabi said.
He further said that the command had launched a comprehensive investigation into the attack and was working to track down those responsible.
In the words of Ojelabi; “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,” he stated.
