Suspected thugs on Wednesday attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, triggering an exchange of gunfire with the governor’s security personnel.

The shooting, which lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes, occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall where he had met with the monarch.

Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election.

An eyewitness, who spike on the telephone on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Adeleke and his entourage were received by Oyetunji, where the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch.

The eyewitness said trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch had offered prayers.

According to her, Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit reserved for the monarch and his wives when the shooting started.

She said, “He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots. Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.

“The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums exchanged gunshots. Those hoodlums later fled the scene.”

A trader near the palace, identified simply as Munirat, said the assailants might have learnt of Adeleke’s visit and waited for his arrival.

She said, “We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace. They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back.

“We all ran away and left our wares. They also engaged the governor near the Osogbo Central Mosque before they fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.”

The incident caused panic in the area as traders and other residents reportedly fled their businesses and sought safety during the shooting.

When contacted, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack.

Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants and that no casualty was recorded.

“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said.

As of 4:45 pm, when our correspondent left the scene, sporadic gunshots were still being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly shut their shops for fear of being caught in the violence.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has said the outcome of the Osun State governorship election has laid the foundation for what Nigerians should expect in the 2027 general elections.

Dalung, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday. He argued that the Osun election had demonstrated that the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including what he described as “federal might,” could be defeated at the polls.

According to Dalung, the outcome of the election was a confirmation of his earlier prediction about the 2027 presidential election.

“What happened in Osun is a confirmation of what I said two years ago, that even if Tinubu appointed his wife, Remi Tinubu, as Chief Justice of Nigeria and appointed Seyi, his son, as INEC chairman, he is going to be defeated woefully in 2027,” he said.

Dalung said the Osun election had shown that the political structures and influence of the ruling party could not automatically guarantee victory.
“When the election in Osun has come and gone, it has laid the foundation that is going to play out in 2027. The issue of federal might, incumbency, APC being the party in government, has already been put to rest because Nigerians in Osun have proved that there is determination to defend democracy,” he said.

Dalung further argued that the presence of several political heavyweights and government officials in Osun did not translate into electoral victory for the APC.

“Despite the federal might, despite the 30 governors, 45 members of the National Assembly, national chairman, Senate president, Speaker, all congregating in Osun, APC suffered a humiliating defeat,” he said.

The ex-minister also criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his comments following the election, arguing that Wike should explain the resources deployed by the APC during the campaign instead of blaming the ADC.

“I think reacting to that is what my friend, the Minister of FCT, is trying to cover up. The share of how they lost in Osun, and so for him, he can relocate that blame to look at the ADC. But why is he not talking of the huge mobilisation resources from all the states wasted there and the humiliating loss APC suffered?” he asked.

Dalung maintained that the Osun result was significant because, in his view, it demonstrated that political power and government structures alone could not determine electoral outcomes.

He also disputed any suggestion that the ADC was responsible for the APC’s defeat in Osun, stressing that the party was not responsible for the outcome.

Dalung further said the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be about the choice Nigerians make at the ballot box rather than simply a contest between President Tinubu and opposition parties.

“2027 is not going to be an issue of Tinubu; it is not even going to be an issue of opposition. No. But the man Nigerians are going to be electing in 2027,” he said.

He also identified regional considerations and the performance of the president as factors that could influence the 2027 election.

“In 2027, regionalism is going to be a factor in the determination of the election. In 2027, too, the President’s performance is going to be an issue,” said the former minister.

Dalung said he remained convinced that Tinubu would ultimately be defeated, arguing that the governors who had moved into the APC would not be enough to secure victory for the president.

“But on the overall, the President will be defeated woefully because he has assembled the people who have also abandoned the people. The governors whom he has brought to his party can never bail him out. It has been established in Osun. Their gatherings were gatherings of mourners,” he said.

Beyond the 2027 election, the former minister criticised what he described as poor leadership and urged political office holders to prioritise Nigerians and their constitutional responsibilities.

“If we have leaders that believe in the people and believe in their oath of office and know that the Constitution imposes on them an obligation that they should protect lives and property and the social wellbeing of the people, they will definitely do that,” Dalung said.

He also warned political leaders against concentrating on wealth accumulation at the expense of leaving a positive legacy.

“If we have leaders who have conscience, who know that all this money they are busy stockpiling, one day they will depart this earth without anything, they will concentrate on building a legacy that they will be remembered for,” he said. (Channels)

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, have paid glowing tributes to veteran journalist and Vanguard founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu, as Vanguard Newspapers marked its 40th anniversary book launch.

The event was held on Wednesday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together prominent personalities from the political, business, diplomatic, security and media sectors, as well as former and current members of the Vanguard family.

The anniversary featured the launch of The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid, a publication documenting major events, personalities and defining moments in Nigeria’s history through Vanguard’s coverage over four decades.

Babangida hails Amuka

Babangida described Amuka as a national icon and praised Vanguard for its contribution to journalism, democracy and the documentation of Nigeria’s history.

“I salute a national icon. We are not marking another year but celebrating a monumental year,” Babangida said.

According to the former Head of State, who was represented by Professor Mohammed Yahaya, the 40th anniversary is a testament to Vanguard’s commitment to principled journalism and its influence on journalists and editors across generations.

He described Amuka as “a custodian of our collective conscience and a cornerstone of our democracy.”

Babangida said the anniversary publication was more than a book, describing it as a documentation of Vanguard’s contribution to Nigeria’s development over four decades.

“This work is far more than a book. For 40 years, Vanguard has shaped Nigeria’s history, a defender of democratic ideals. This publication is a tribute to that legacy that I am honoured to be associated with,” he said.

He also commended the Vanguard Media Alumni Association for producing the publication, saying the book provides an opportunity to understand Nigeria’s past while drawing lessons for the future.

Babangida said the Vanguard Chronology captures the principles and values that have guided the newspaper, particularly the courage and determination demonstrated by Amuka throughout his career.

“It is our sincere hope that this publication will serve as a historic document for unborn generations,” he said.

He urged Nigerians and members of the media to emulate Amuka’s exemplary life and values, while expressing gratitude to the Vanguard Media Alumni Association for the honour.

Osoba celebrates Amuka’s journalism legacy

Also speaking at the event, Osoba described the occasion as historic, saying it was an opportunity to celebrate Amuka and his contribution to Nigerian journalism.

“It’s a historic occasion. Today, we are celebrating a person,” Osoba said.

The former governor recalled Amuka’s early days in journalism and described him as a risk-taker who played a major role in the establishment of The PUNCH before founding Vanguard in 1984.

Osoba also praised Amuka’s personality, describing him as a “jolly fellow” who conducted interviews without taking notes.

He further commended Amuka for creating an environment where columnists at Vanguard could freely express their views.

“Today, we are talking about a man who is as free as Uncle Sam. He allows his columnists to express themselves,” Osoba said.

In a lighter moment, Osoba spoke about Amuka’s love for food, joking about his regular visits to his favourite amala group despite having what he described as “the best cook in the world”.

Osoba thanked the chairman of the anniversary committee, members of the organising team and all those who attended to honour Amuka.

He described the 91-year-old journalist as “a great Nigerian journalist” who remains active in the profession.

Nwachukwu calls for renewed media campaign for Nigeria

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Nwachukwu also commended Vanguard Newspapers for its contributions to Nigeria over the past four decades.

Sam Amuka and Gen Ike Nwachukwu rtd at the Vanguard’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

“Vanguard Newspaper has done so much for our country,” Nwachukwu said.

While noting that the African continent continues to face challenges, he called on Nigerian media organisations to take the lead in projecting the country positively and promoting national pride.

“Even though the African continent is still suffering, I am asking the Nigerian media to lead the charge one more time, to lead the media to sell the Nigerian pride,” he said.

Nwachukwu urged the Nigerian media to use its influence to tell the country’s story, highlight its achievements and promote a stronger sense of national identity.

Obaigbena salutes Amuka

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ThisDay Arise Group, Nduka Obaigbena, described Amuka as an icon and a colossus in Nigerian journalism.

Obaigbena urged Nigerians to recognise and celebrate Amuka’s contributions to the media industry and his enduring influence on journalism in the country.

“He is an icon and a colossus. I urge the people of Nigeria to salute a man of the people,” Obaigbena said.

The 40th anniversary book launch and reunion provided an opportunity for readers, partners and other stakeholders, alongside former and current members of the Vanguard family, to reflect on the newspaper’s four-decade journey and its enduring place in Nigeria’s media landscape. (Vanguard)