Palace Visit Turns Violent: One Killed as Davido’s Security Clash with Suspected Thugs in Osogbo

One person has been killed following a violent confrontation between suspected hoodlums and members of Afrobeats star David Adeleke’s, popularly known as Davido, security team in Osogbo, Osun State. The incident occurred shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo on Wednesday.

The governor had visited the monarch, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, in company with his nephew, Davido, as part of activities following his victory in the August 15 Osun governorship election. Reports said Adeleke arrived at the palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of roughly 20 vehicles.

Trouble reportedly erupted after the palace visit when a man identified by police as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly called “Small Rugged”, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of the singer’s security detail. The confrontation subsequently attracted other suspected gang members.

According to the Osun State Police Command, the situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire involving the suspected hoodlums and security personnel. The security team also reportedly used tear gas and fired into the air as the governor’s convoy prepared to leave the area.

Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the suspected gang members temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed movement. Security personnel, however, eventually overpowered them, allowing the governor’s convoy to leave safely with Davido.

The violence did not end at the palace. Police said the suspected gang members later moved towards the Ayepe area, and a 60-year-old man, identified as Tajudeen Yusuf of the Oke-Ayepe area of Osogbo, was subsequently shot at Ita-Olokan.

Yusuf was reportedly found seriously injured at the scene by responding police officers and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo. Despite efforts to save him, medical personnel later pronounced him dead.

The police said the shooting was reported at about 4pm on August 19, 2026, and officers were immediately deployed to the area. Commissioner of Police (Election), Samuel Etaifo, condemned the killing and ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.

Davido has meanwhile distanced himself from the violence. In a post on X, the singer said the fight occurred outside the palace and had nothing to do with him, while also expressing affection for the governor. His comment came amid reports linking the confrontation to the security arrangements around his visit.

The Osun State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident. Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the gunfire, identify those responsible for Yusuf’s death and determine whether any further arrests or charges will follow as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm in Osogbo.