A 60-year-old resident of Osogbo, Osun State, Tajudeen Yusuf, was reportedly killed by a stray bullet following a confrontation involving suspected hoodlums and the security team of Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
The incident occurred on Wednesday shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke and Davido visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.
The governor had gone to the palace after collecting his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
According to the Osun State Police Command, trouble began when a suspected gang member and ex-convict, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged,” allegedly attempted to approach Davido but was stopped by members of the singer’s security team.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said the confrontation escalated after other suspected gang members joined the altercation.
The situation reportedly caused a temporary disruption around the palace entrance, while the governor’s convoy eventually managed to leave the area.
Police alleged that the suspected hoodlums opened fire as they moved away from the scene.
Yusuf, who was reportedly a resident of the Oke-Ayepe area of Osogbo, was struck by a bullet around Itaolokan.
Security personnel were alerted and found him seriously injured. He was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead.
The shooting reportedly caused panic in the area, with residents hearing several rounds of gunfire.
A source within the palace said the shooting started shortly after Governor Adeleke had left the palace hall and entered his vehicle with his aides.
The suspected attackers reportedly fled after the incident, while police launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting.
The Commissioner of Police overseeing election security in Osun, Samuel Etaifo, condemned the incident and assured residents that security agencies would pursue those responsible.
Police spokesperson Ojelabi said the command had commenced a full investigation and intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects.
DAVIDO DENIES BEING TARGET OF ATTACK
Davido has also reacted to reports surrounding the incident, distancing himself and Governor Adeleke from the violence.
In a post on his official X account, the singer said the confrontation occurred outside the palace and was not directed at him or his uncle.
He wrote that it was a fight outside the palace and had nothing to do with them.
The incident occurred on the same day Governor Adeleke received his certificate of return from INEC after securing re-election as Osun State governor.
Adeleke defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, with 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes.
