Tragedy As Lion Kills OAU Staff
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Tragedy struck at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State on Monday as a staff, Mr Olabode Olawuyi, was killed by a nine-year-old male lion that he was feeding.
Already, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.
According to reports, the tragic and untimely death of Olawuyi has thrown the management, staff, students, and the entire campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, into a state of shock and mourning.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday afternoon, 19th February 2024, by the lion while he was feeding them in their den at the University’s Zoological Garden.
The University’s Spokesman said desperate efforts by other staff members, who were at the scene of the incident, to rescue their boss failed as the wild cat had already caused severe bodily harm to the late Olawuyi.
The statement further said; “On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
“The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, was informed, on arrival, by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive”, the statement said.
The PRO, who disclosed that the tragic incident led to the aggressive Lion being euthanized (put (an animal) to death humanely), said late Olawuyi “has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago but, tragically, the male Lion killed the man who had been feeding them.”
Meanwhile, the University management has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life.
“May the soul of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi rest in peace”, the management said.
