By John Dike, Osogbo
Gunmen have shot an Accord Party chieftain in Osun State, Hon. Ashimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, an incident that has heightened concerns over security and political violence ahead of the state’s forthcoming governorship election.
Ajibola, who sustained gunshot wounds, was reportedly shot by suspected assassins who opened fire on his vehicle in the MDS area of Osogbo on Wednesday night.
He is currently receiving treatment at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, where doctors are said to be closely monitoring his condition.
The attack, which occurred around 9:50 p.m., sent shockwaves across the city as residents fled for safety after hearing repeated gunshots. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as the sound of gunfire echoed through the normally quiet neighborhood.
According to accounts from survivors and residents, the attackers, believed to be armed men operating on a motorcycle, trailed the vehicle conveying Ajibola and several associates before launching a deadly assault.
One of the occupants who escaped unharmed recounted the terrifying experience.
“We were returning from the MDS area when we noticed some suspicious movements behind us. Suddenly, the gunmen began firing directly at our vehicle. It happened so fast. We were only thinking about how to stay alive,” he said.
He disclosed that the attackers continued shooting while pursuing the vehicle through the area, forcing the occupants to seek immediate refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to him, the assailants abandoned the chase and fled after realizing that their targets had successfully reached the police facility.
“The only thing that saved us was getting to the police station. They stopped following us when they realized where we had gone,” he added.
Medical sources revealed that Ajibola suffered multiple gunshot injuries during the attack. He was rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, where emergency medical teams worked through the night to stabilize him.
Family members and political associates have continued to maintain a vigil at the hospital, expressing hope for his full recovery.
The incident has generated widespread concern among political stakeholders, civil society groups, and residents who fear that rising political tensions could threaten the peaceful atmosphere Osun State has enjoyed in recent years.
Conflicting reports initially emerged regarding Ajibola’s political affiliation, with some reports identifying him as the chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government, while police authorities later described him as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government area.
Regardless of party affiliation, political observers have warned that attacks against political figures pose serious risks to democratic stability and public confidence in the electoral process.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Government strongly condemned the shooting and called for an immediate and thorough investigation.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, described the attack as disturbing and unacceptable, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate any act capable of undermining peace and democratic engagement in the state.
“This is an unfortunate incident that must not be swept under the carpet. The perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice. We are calling on the police to conduct a professional investigation without fear or favour and ensure that all those connected to the attack are apprehended,” Alimi stated.
He noted that preliminary indications suggested possible political motivations behind the attack and stressed the importance of uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, Osun State Police Command has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command disclosed that tactical and conventional police teams were immediately deployed after receiving distress information about the shooting.
The statement explained that officers swiftly responded to the scene, secured the area, and facilitated the victim’s evacuation for urgent medical treatment.
Police authorities confirmed that Ajibola survived the assassination attempt and is responding positively to treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has reportedly directed all investigative and intelligence units within the command to intensify efforts aimed at identifying and arresting the criminals behind the attack.
As part of the investigation, forensic experts have commenced analysis of exhibits recovered from the crime scene, while detectives continue to gather intelligence and interview witnesses.
“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation,” the police statement said.
Security has since been reinforced in strategic locations across Osogbo, particularly around the MDS axis and adjoining communities, as authorities seek to prevent any possible retaliation or further security breaches.
The incident has once again brought the issue of political violence into focus as preparations for the next governorship election gather momentum. Analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance, and the proliferation of armed groups remain significant threats to peaceful democratic participation.
Residents who witnessed the attack described a frightening atmosphere as families rushed indoors while motorists abandoned parts of the road in search of safety.
“It was like something from a movie. We heard several gunshots and people started running everywhere. Nobody knew what was happening,” a resident of the area recounted.
Political leaders, community groups, and security stakeholders have called for calm while urging law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
As investigations continue, supporters and associates of the wounded political leader have maintained their calls for accountability, insisting that those responsible must face the full weight of the law.
For many residents of Osogbo, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and enhanced security measures as political activities intensify across the state.
The coming days are expected to reveal more details as police investigators continue their search for the gunmen behind the shocking attack that has left the state capital on edge.
