Police have identified music star Davido as the alleged target of the confrontation that erupted around Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The Osun State Police Command said its preliminary investigation indicated that the incident began when a suspected cult member allegedly tried to reach Davido during the governor’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.
According to the command, the individual was stopped by members of Davido’s security team. The confrontation reportedly drew other suspected gang members to the scene, eventually leading to the obstruction of the palace entrance and the governor’s convoy.
Police name alleged ringleader
Osun State Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi identified the alleged organiser as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly called Small Rugged.
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Police described Taoreed as an ex-convict and alleged cult member linked to the Eye Confraternity.
The command said the confrontation intensified after he was allegedly prevented from gaining access to Davido. Other suspected gang members reportedly joined the disturbance and temporarily blocked access to the palace.
The governor’s convoy was subsequently caught up in the disruption.
How the shooting unfolded
The incident happened after Adeleke visited the Ataoja’s palace following his collection of his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his re-election.
Davido, who had been actively involved in his uncle’s August 15 re-election campaign, accompanied him during the day’s activities.
Residents and other witnesses around Oja Oba in Osogbo reportedly heard sustained gunfire as security personnel attached to the convoy responded to the confrontation.
The situation later took a deadly turn.
60-year-old man shot dead
Police said Tajudeen Yusuf, 60, was shot as the suspected gang members fled the area.
Ojelabi said the victim was found seriously wounded in the Itaolokan area of Osogbo by police officers who responded to the scene.
He was taken to the University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, where doctors subsequently confirmed his death.
The killing adds a tragic dimension to an incident that police say began with an attempt to reach the music star.
Police launch investigation
The command said it had commenced a full-scale investigation and stepped up efforts to identify and apprehend everyone connected to the violence.
Samuel Etaifo, the Commissioner of Police overseeing security for the Osun election, condemned the incident and said those responsible would be pursued.
Police have appealed to residents who may have relevant information, recordings or other evidence to report to the nearest police station or use the command’s official communication channels.
The command also urged residents to remain calm and warned against retaliatory action.
The immediate priority, according to police, is to establish exactly what happened, identify everyone involved and ensure that those responsible face the law.