Davido Explains Fight Near Ataoja Palace, Says It Had Nothing to Do With Him or Governor Adeleke
Popular Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has clarified that the reported fight and exchange of gunfire near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, had nothing to do with him or his brother, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Davido made the clarification in a post on his X account following reports that a confrontation occurred between some individuals and members of the governor’s security team after his visit to the traditional ruler’s palace.
He wrote:
“The fight outside the palace had nothing to do with us! People love prestige!”
According to reports, the confrontation later escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the individuals involved and members of the governor’s security detail.
The shooting reportedly lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before those involved in the confrontation fled the scene.
The incident reportedly caused panic among traders, residents and other people in the vicinity of the Ataoja Palace as the sound of gunfire raised concerns about the safety of people in the area.
Osun Government Confirms Incident
The Osun State Government confirmed that the incident occurred and said members of Governor Adeleke’s security team were attacked.
According to the state government, the security personnel responded to the attack and successfully drove the attackers away from the area.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described those who allegedly initiated the confrontation as criminals.
He said:
“They are criminals, and the government security personnel chased them away. They attacked the governor’s security personnel at the Ataoja Palace. Nobody was injured.”
The commissioner's statement indicated that although the incident involved gunfire, there were no reported casualties or injuries.
The circumstances surrounding what triggered the confrontation, however, remained a subject of attention following the incident.
Incident Happened After Davido's Palace Visit
The reported confrontation occurred shortly after Davido visited the Ataoja of Osogbo's palace.
Davido subsequently took to social media to distance himself and Governor Adeleke from the incident, making it clear that the confrontation outside the palace was not connected to their visit.
His comment came amid reports and discussions on social media concerning the incident, with questions being raised about what led to the confrontation and the involvement of the governor's security personnel.
Davido's clarification was therefore aimed at separating himself and his brother from the reported clash.
Incident Coincided With Adeleke's Return to Office
The incident occurred on the same day that Governor Ademola Adeleke received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes in the election, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The governor's victory secured his return to office for another term and came amid heightened political activity in the state.
The reported shooting near the Ataoja Palace therefore occurred against the backdrop of the governor's electoral victory and his official activities following the election.
While the state government said no one was injured and that the governor's security personnel successfully repelled the attackers, Davido maintained that the confrontation outside the palace was not connected to him or Governor Adeleke.