Gunshots were fired by unknown gunmen at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Monday.
The
News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the incident occurred at the
Popoyemoja palace of the traditional ruler where he was conducting the
installation ceremony for some Mogajis and Baales.
Sources
said four gunmen, who came in a black Toyota Sienna, arrived the
palace at about 11:45 a.m. and fired several shots at some vehicles of
visiting dignitaries.
The hoodlums stationed themselves
strategically in the front of the palace, shot repeatedly and dared
those inside the palace to come out and engage them.
The journalists, who were just arriving
at the gate of the palace, were caught in the fire, but they escaped
being shot as they ducked for cover in the drainage outlet in front of
the palace.
Many other people also jumped into the drainage outlet to escape being shot.
A former Secretary
to the Oyo State Government and Labour Party chieftain, Sharafadeen
Alli, and some journalists were among those who escaped death while the
shooting lasted.
Alli’s car and several
others were, however, riddled with bullets in the shooting which was
said to have lasted about 10 minutes. The installation, however, went on.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Abiodun Odude, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with NAN, saying it was being investigated. He also said no arrest had been made.
NAN
reports that the traditional ruler had dragged the state government to
court over the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chietaincy Law and
government’s subsequent coronation of 21 high chiefs and Baales.