Three persons were killed on Friday in a suspected cult-related clash in the Owode-Ilesa area of Osogbo, Osun State.
The victims have been identified as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”; another man known simply as “Osha”; while the identity of the third victim remained unconfirmed as of the time of filing this report.
An eyewitness confirmed that the three men died on Friday afternoon during the violent confrontation.
According to records from the Osun State Police Command, “Small Rugged” was an ex-convict and suspected cultist who was also allegedly involved in a previous shooting and murder incident. That incident occurred following a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at his palace.
Police records detail that on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at about 1600 hours, the command received information that a 60-year-old resident of the Oke-Ayepe area, Tajudeen Yusuf, had been shot by suspected hoodlums at Itaolokan, Osogbo.
Preliminary investigations revealed that earlier that day, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, accompanied by his nephew, David Adeleke (popularly known as Davido), had visited the Ataoja at his palace.
Immediately after the visit, Adebayo Taoreed (“Small Rugged”), described as an ex-convict, notorious thug, and member of the Eye confraternity, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of the security team.
The ensuing confrontation reportedly attracted other gang members who temporarily blocked the palace entrance and obstructed traffic before the convoy eventually departed safely.
The Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident when contacted.