The incident involved Senator Basiru Ajibola, the former Spokesperson of the Senate, who had taken a seat in the front row among other dignitaries.
Alhaji Muniru Raji, a PDP chieftain, approached Senator Basiru and informed him that Governor Ademola Adeleke was on his way to the praying ground and requested him to vacate his seat as the governor. However, Senator Basiru refused to comply with the directive, leading to a confrontation between supporters of both parties.
Upon the arrival of Governor Adeleke's convoy, the governor did not disembark from his vehicle and subsequently left the praying ground even before the prayer commenced. Tensions escalated as some aggrieved PDP loyalists attempted to attack Senator Basiru, but his supporters intervened to protect him.
In response to the incident, Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, issued a press statement condemning the clash and describing it as an assassination attempt on the governor's life.
He called for calm and assured the public of the governor's safety. Rasheed also announced that the governor had instructed security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the incident, regardless of their status.
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC released a statement countering the claims made by the governor's spokesperson. Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the Chairman of the APC in the state, placed the blame on PDP members for causing the confusion at the Eid praying ground.
He criticised the governor for what he perceived as executive lawlessness and stated that the APC would not tolerate the disturbance of public peace by someone holding the position of the state's security officer.
The clash between PDP and APC supporters at the Osogbo Central Eid Praying Ground highlights the heightened political tensions in the state. The incident raises concerns about the need for peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic processes, especially during religious and public gatherings. Authorities have been urged to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those involved in the clash face appropriate legal consequences.