Adedokun Waliyu 
Music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was the target of an attack on the convoy of the Osun State governor, according to the police.
Security escorts of the governor had earlier engaged unidentified men in a gun duel during the governor’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
The governor visited the monarch shortly after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Davido, who was actively involved in the election, accompanied the governor to the INEC office and the palace.
Residents of Oja Oba Osogbo said gunshots caused panic for more than 15 minutes as the men reportedly fired sporadically while the governor’s security detail returned fire.
Commenting on the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary investigations indicated that members of the Eye Confraternity were targeting Davido.
According to Ojelabi, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged,” an ex-convict and suspected notorious thug and member of the Eye Confraternity, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of his security team.
The confrontation reportedly attracted other suspected gang members in the area. The group allegedly temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed the movement of the governor’s convoy.
Ojelabi said a 60-year-old man identified as Tajudeen Yusuf was shot dead during the incident.
He said the suspected gang members later left the area and allegedly shot Yusuf at the Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
Police officers were immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving the report. Yusuf was found lying in a pool of blood and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for medical attention, but doctors pronounced him dead.
The police command has commenced a full-scale investigation and intensified efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo, condemned the incident and assured members of the public that all available resources would be deployed to apprehend those responsible.
The police urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its official channels.
Members of the public were also advised to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
