Osogbo APC Leaders Demand Probe Into Alleged Assassination Attempt on Ataoja

 

…Say Monarch's Claim Exposes Adeleke's Gross Incompetence, Loss Of Security Control Of Osun

The leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Sunday demanded probe into the alleged assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The party leaders noted that the Ataoja's assassination claim has further exposed Governor Ademola Adeleke's gross incompetence, ineptitude and total loss of the control of the state security.

They called on security agencies to beam their searchlight and investigate the alleged assassination attempt on the monarch as part of efforts to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s claim.

The party specifically urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The APC made the demand while reacting to the controversy surrounding the monarch’s claim and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s allegation linking the incident to opposition elements.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, former Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Akintunde Adegboye accused the governor of acting on speculation rather than waiting for the outcome of a proper investigation.

Hon. Adegboye said the Ataoja was “magnanimous enough” to state that he was not accusing any political party of the alleged attack, but wondered why the governor allegedly moved quickly to blame the APC.

The APC leaders accused Governor Adeleke of losing control of the state’s security control, claiming that the monarch’s comment that the governor was unaware of the incident for about two weeks exposed lapses in security management under the leadership of the incumbent Governor.

“Is this desperation on the part of the governor, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state, choosing rumours over proper investigation?” he asked.

According to the party, the circumstances surrounding the allegation required clarification, including the identity of those allegedly attacked, the police station where the incident was reported, the hospital where victims were treated, and whether any arrest was made.

“The Ataoja did not claim to have reported the matter at the nearest police station, which is just beside the palace, but said the record of the incident was at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. These are issues that require proper investigation.

“The governor should come forward to explain when the Ataoja mentioned APC in connection with the allegation and why an issue of assassination was raised at a political endorsement programme.

"We, the leaders of APC in Osogbo are here with the deepest sense of responsibility that we are addressing the public today. We are bonafide indigenes of Osogbo and we are concerned with her development. 

"We expected that His Royal Majesty, the Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Oyetunji should rise above partisanship and be a father to all irrespective of political affiliation. But like in 2022, the Ataoja has again put on the fabrics of politics and this time politics of blackmail against the APC, especially those of us from Osogbo.

"It is surprising that an assassination attempt was carried out against the Ataoja by some unscrupulous persons, according to the royal father the day an Accord party chieftain was shot, but the incident has never been in public domain until an endorsement programme for Governor Ademola Adeleke. The allegation looks more like a blackmail than truth," he said.

The party leaders queried the suspicion on the ground that no one around or inside the palace has ever discussed the said assassination attempt untill the Ataoja make it a public at a political gathering saying "what is more a political campaign than that."

" Adeleke should be the chief security officer of the state, but clearly he has lost it with recent developments. Ataoja indicted him by saying Governor is not aware of what happened since two weeks ago. 

"Adeleke has showed to the Osun people and the world that he is incompetent to govern the state when the king of the state capital claimed an assassination attempt and he did not know how to respond after two weeks. 

"We urge National Security Adviser, NSA; the Inspector General of Police, IGP, the Director-General of Department of State Services, DSS, the head of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC and other security agencies to investigate the claims of Ataoja which countered the claim of Adeleke about assassination. 

"Ataoja should be ready to answer these questions; who are injured during his acclaimed attack on his palace? Which station did he report the matter? Which hospital were the victims received treatment? Who are those arrested in connection with the incident without the knowledge of the governor? 

"The Governor should also come to prove when Ataoja mentioned APC to the allegation and why discussing issue of assassination at an endorsement programme? 

"APC is known for peace and we are going to win 2026 governorship election without fight or rancor and it will be a replica of June 12, 1993", he stated.

The press conference has in attendance leaders and members of the party in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas which include: Osun APC Assistant Secretary, Comrade Waheed Adediran, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Airport Authority, NPA, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, former Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sola Oladepo, former Special Adviser, Youth and Sports, Hon. Lateef Adegboyega Adelabu, APC Osogbo Federal Constituency Candidate, Hon. Ibrahim Taofeek Kayode (ITK), APC House of Assembly Candidate, Olorunda State Constituency, Dr. Samuel Sanusi, Executive Chairman, Osogbo Local Government, Hon. Saheed Onibonokuta, Executive Chairman, Olorunda Local Government, Hon. Kunle Kudayisi, Executive Chairperson, Olorunda Area Council, Hon. Felicia Omolaoye, Hon. Mojeed Fasasi, Vice Chairman, Olorunda Local Government, Hon. Olatunde Babatunde Solomon (Tunde Olororo), Wards Councillors, Council Officers, APC Local Governments and wards Executives among others.