MICHAEL AKINOLA
The management, staff, students and the entire campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of their Veterinary Technologist, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Mr. Olawuyi, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden of the University for over a decade, was attacked in the afternoon on Monday, 19th February, 2024, by a 9-year old male lion when he was feeding them in their den.
It was gathered that the other members of staff, who were at the scene of the incident, did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for on the spot assessment
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.
Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized.
Mr. Olawuyi was said to have been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago but, tragically, the male lion killed the man who had been feeding them.
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.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.