The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after armed hoodlums reportedly opened fire on his palace during the recent violence that engulfed parts of Osogbo and Ede in Osun State.
The monarch made the revelation on Saturday while addressing members of the Ajegunle Tradesmen and Artisans Group at an event where Governor Ademola Adeleke received an endorsement for a second term in office.
According to Oba Larooye, the attackers stormed the Ataoja’s Palace and fired shots indiscriminately in what he described as a calculated effort to eliminate him.
He claimed that he was the primary target of the attack but escaped unhurt, although some of his aides sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
“The gunmen came into the palace with the intention of killing me. They shot indiscriminately and some of my aides sustained serious gunshot injuries,” the traditional ruler said.
The monarch expressed concern over what he described as the increasing trend of political violence in the state, warning that political ambitions should never be pursued through intimidation, bloodshed, or acts capable of threatening public peace.
Oba Larooye further alleged that the same group responsible for the attack on his palace was behind the violence that erupted in several parts of Osogbo on Monday, causing widespread panic among residents and disrupting socio-economic activities.
He described the attack on the palace as a troubling development, noting that the institution remains a symbol of the history, culture, and unity of the Osogbo people.
“The attacks on Osogbo and even on the palace show that political bitterness has been taken too far. It is unfortunate that some individuals have chosen violence as a means of expressing political differences,” he stated.
Despite the incident, the monarch insisted that neither the attack nor the alleged threats against him would discourage him from supporting causes and initiatives he believes would advance the interests of Osogbo and its people.
He also maintained that the growing endorsements for Governor Adeleke reflected the public’s assessment of the administration’s performance, stressing that violence and intimidation could not alter the democratic will of the people.
Oba Larooye called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice.
He also urged authorities to take urgent steps to restore peace and strengthen security across Osogbo and other communities affected by the recent unrest.
