Osun APC leaders demands investigation over Ataoja’s attempted assassination claim

Investigation Sought After Alleged Assassination Attempt on Osogbo Monarch

OSOGBO, Nigeria — An alleged assassination attempt on Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo, has prompted calls for an in-depth investigation and heightened political tensions in Osun State.

During an endorsement event for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, the monarch reported that gunmen invaded his palace, opening fire in what he described as a targeted attack. He stated that several of his aides were injured in the incident, which he characterized as indicative of political animosity.

“My palace was attacked. I was obviously the target, all because of our support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election,” the Ataoja said, condemning the violence and urging residents to express their political views at the ballot box instead.

The Ataoja expressed support for both Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu, while calling on security agencies to enhance safety measures throughout the state.

In response, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for a police investigation into the allegations, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. The party’s statement, issued by Director of Media and Information Kola Olabisi, questioned whether the incident had been reported to law enforcement, the identities of those injured, and the medical facilities that provided care.

“It is necessary for the police to expedite action on the investigation of this allegation in order to clear some knotty issues surrounding it,” the APC statement read. They also urged members of the public who possess relevant information to come forward.

Leaders of the APC in Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas echoed the call for a thorough investigation and requested involvement from the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Former Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akintunde Adegboye, addressed reporters, criticizing what he described as a politicization of the incident. He pointed out that the Ataoja had not formally accused any political party of involvement and questioned why Governor Adeleke seemingly connected the event to opposition elements before an investigation had concluded.

“We expected that His Royal Majesty, the Ataoja of Osogbo, should rise above partisanship and be a father to all irrespective of political affiliation,” Adegboye stated, also expressing concerns regarding lapses in the state’s security management.

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