Inside the Alleged Attack: How Adewale Adeyinka Says He Escaped a Pursuit in Okuku
By Hon. Adewale Adeyinka
What began as an ordinary journey home from a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo reportedly turned into a frightening encounter involving an alleged armed pursuit, gunshots and a desperate escape through the streets of Okuku.
According to my account, I was travelling towards my residence in Ekusa town when, upon reaching Inisa, I noticed a three-vehicle convoy allegedly belonging to Hon. Francis Eniade. The convoy consisted of his personal vehicle, a Hilux truck and a van.
At first, the vehicles appeared to be maintaining a considerable distance from us, creating the impression that they were not following our vehicle. However, as we approached my residence through a relatively lonely route in Ekusa, the situation suddenly changed.
The convoy reportedly moved closer, and one of the vehicles allegedly attempted to force us to a stop by brushing against our vehicle.
I immediately instructed my driver not to stop.
With the situation becoming increasingly dangerous, my driver manoeuvred through the bush, enabling us to escape the immediate danger. Rather than continue towards my residence, we proceeded directly to the Okuku Divisional Police Station to seek protection.
Unfortunately, when we arrived, the police station gate was locked.
We were therefore forced to manoeuvre again and drive around the town as the vehicles allegedly continued the pursuit. It was during this frightening episode that we heard gunshots, further heightening concerns for our lives.
I immediately began calling the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Okuku Division to alert him to the threat. Unfortunately, he did not answer his calls. I subsequently contacted the Honourable Speaker, who advised me to return to the police station and seek protection there.
We turned back and headed towards the station. Although the gate was still initially locked, an officer eventually rushed out to open it, allowing us to drive into the premises.
According to my account, the vehicle allegedly belonging to Eniade followed us into the station, while the van reportedly carrying suspected thugs and individuals dressed in what appeared to be fake security uniforms remained some distance away.
The situation reportedly changed dramatically when the occupants of the van heard the siren of the convoy conveying the Honourable Speaker. Without apparently knowing who was approaching, they fled the scene.
Members of the public who had witnessed the pursuit and understood the gravity of the situation reportedly gave chase. Two of the fleeing suspects were eventually apprehended, and a firearm was reportedly recovered from them.
When the Honourable Speaker arrived, security personnel attached to his convoy took the two suspects away from the crowd to prevent possible mob action.
The Speaker subsequently directed that the suspects be taken to Osogbo and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for proper investigation. According to my account, the suspects and ammunition reportedly recovered from them have since been handed over to the DSS.
The allegations come against the backdrop of heightened political activity in the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency. Eniade is a prominent APC figure in the constituency and was reported to have secured the party's House of Representatives ticket for the 2027 election during the 2026 primaries.
However, the circumstances surrounding this alleged incident remain matters for the appropriate security authorities to establish. No conclusion should be drawn regarding the culpability of any individual until a proper investigation is completed.
I sincerely appreciate the good people of Okuku who came out in solidarity and helped protect my life during this frightening experience. Their courage, restraint and determination to prevent the situation from degenerating into violence are deeply appreciated.
I remain resolute in my commitment to peace, good governance and sustainable development in Osun State. No act of intimidation, violence or threat will deter us from pursuing a peaceful and prosperous state.
I therefore call on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident, including the identities of those arrested, the firearm and ammunition reportedly recovered, the vehicles involved and the circumstances surrounding the alleged pursuit.
I have confidence that the appropriate authorities will establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Signed:
Hon. Adewale Adeyinka
Executive Chairman, Odo-Otin Local Government
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