The Osun State Police Command has said preliminary investigations indicate that music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was the target of the gun attack that occurred during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo on Wednesday.

The incident occurred shortly after the governor received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

Governor Adeleke had visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, accompanied by Davido and other members of his entourage.

The governor’s security escorts engaged suspected hoodlums in a gun battle around the palace, causing panic among residents and traders in the Oja Oba area.

Some residents said sporadic gunshots were heard for more than 15 minutes as the security personnel returned fire.

However, the police have now provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary findings showed that members of the Eye Confraternity allegedly targeted Davido.

According to him, one Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was stopped by members of the singer’s security team.

Ojelabi described Taoreed as an ex-convict, suspected notorious thug and alleged member of the Eye Confraternity.

“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 spokesman said.

One Killed in Shooting

The police said a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, was shot dead during the incident.

Ojelabi said the suspected gang members later left the area but allegedly shot Yusuf at Itaolokan area of Osogbo while fleeing.

“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 said.

Yusuf was subsequently rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, but was pronounced dead by doctors on duty.

The police spokesman said the command had launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to identify and arrest the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo, condemned the killing and assured residents that the police would deploy all available resources to bring those responsible to justice.

The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information about the incident to approach the nearest police station or contact the police through its official channels.

It urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.