Oyo: APC Governorship Hopeful Saheed Oladele Escapes Alleged Murder Plot

Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship contender and Baàmèkó of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, escaped what security sources describe as an assassination attempt while returning from a political engagement in Lagos.

According to information released on Sunday, December 28, 2025, by Maroof Asudemade, Director of Media and Publicity for the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation, the politician’s convoy was reportedly attacked on the highway heading toward Ibadan.

Eyewitnesses and aides said that Oladele’s vehicle was struck by a metal projectile believed to have been fired from a distance by unidentified assailants. The incident reportedly left both supporters and security personnel shaken, though no fatalities were confirmed at the time of the report.

The governorship aspirant was said to be traveling with his security detail and campaign team when the convoy came under fire. According to the spokesperson’s statement, several of Oladele’s aides sustained minor injuries, prompting immediate medical attention from on‑site medics attached to the entourage.

Local law enforcement officers and the candidate’s security aides swiftly secured the area, ensuring that Oladele and others were evacuated to a safe location. Officials noted that improved vigilance and swift response prevented a more serious outcome.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, with state and federal security agencies working to determine whether political rivalry, criminal intentions, or another cause triggered the ambush. No arrests have been announced at the time of writing.

Political analysts have expressed concern over rising tensions around the upcoming Oyo State governorship race. They warn that such violent acts can discourage democratic participation and threaten the safety of citizens and public figures alike.

The APC leadership in Oyo State has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling for thorough investigations and the protection of all political actors participating in the electoral process.

Local civic groups have also demanded accountability, urging authorities to increase security along major roadways, particularly during periods of political activity.

As law enforcement agencies continue their inquiries, supporters of Saheed Oladele have reiterated their commitment to peaceful political engagement, highlighting that violence has no place in democratic competition.

This development adds to a string of security challenges faced by political figures in Nigeria, as highlighted by international coverage of election‑related violence and political security risks.