One person has reportedly been killed following a clash between suspected political thugs and security personnel attached to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.

The attack happened when the Governor paid a visit to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo in company of his nephew and Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

The incident occurred after gunshots erupted during the governor’s courtesy visit to the monarch on Wednesday.

Governor Adeleke had arrived at the palace in the company of his nephew, Davido, when a confrontation reportedly broke out between two groups outside the palace.

According to the Osun State Police Command, trouble started when a suspected political thug, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by the singer’s security details.

The State Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the resistance attracted members of Taoreed’s cult group, who attempted to overpower the security personnel, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

“The incident attracted more of his cult gang members who attempted to override the security detail, which led to gun exchange,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the suspected thugs temporarily blocked the palace entrance but were eventually overpowered by the security details, allowing the governor’s convoy to leave the scene with Davido.

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

Following the incident, the suspected cult members reportedly moved towards the Ayepe area, where they allegedly shot a 60-year-old man identified as Tajudeen Yusuf in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo.

Ojelabi confirmed the shooting and said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The Police Commissioner (Election), Samuel Etaifo, also assured that resources would be deployed to apprehend the suspect and bring those responsible to justice.

Reacting to the palace incident in a post on X, Davido distanced himself and his entourage from the confrontation, describing it as a fight that occurred outside the palace.

“It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us! The pple love excellency!” the singer wrote.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations continued into both the palace clash and the subsequent shooting that reportedly claimed the life of the victim.