By Friday Temitope Eugenia | National News

One person has been reportedly killed following a gun battle between security personnel attached to Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and suspected political thugs in Osogbo, Osun State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday during a visit by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, Davido, to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.

Trouble reportedly started outside the palace when a suspected political thug, identified as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged,” allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by the singer’s security personnel.

According to the Osun State Police Command, the resistance reportedly attracted members of the suspect’s group, who attempted to force their way through the security cordon, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspected thugs temporarily blocked the palace entrance but were eventually overpowered by Davido’s security personnel, allowing the governor’s convoy to leave the area.

The governor’s security team reportedly fired into the air and deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd as the situation escalated.

Davido, in a post on X, distanced himself and his entourage from the clash, saying the confrontation occurred outside the palace and had nothing to do with them.

However, police said the suspected gang later moved towards the Ayepe area, where one Tajudeen Yusuf, 60, was allegedly shot at Ita-Olokan.

Ojelabi confirmed the shooting and said the command had commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Police Commissioner in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, also said resources would be deployed to track down and apprehend those responsible for the shooting.

The incident has heightened concerns over security in Osun State amid heightened political activities following the recently concluded governorship election.