A somber atmosphere enveloped the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, as Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden, met his untimely demise in a tragic incident involving a lion on campus.
According to a statement released by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the unfortunate event occurred while Olawuyi was performing his duties of feeding the animals in their enclosure at the garden.
Despite the swift intervention of other staff members present at the scene, the lion inflicted fatal injuries on Olawuyi before they could rescue him.
“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 Mr. Olabode Olawuyi,” the statement expressed.
It further disclosed that upon receiving the distressing news, the university’s management team, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Simeon Bamire, immediately suspended their activities to assess the situation firsthand.
Despite efforts by the University Health and Medical Centre’s acting Director, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, to administer first aid, Olawuyi succumbed to his injuries.
In response to the tragic incident, the university took the decision to euthanize the aggressive lion involved. The lion had been under Olawuyi’s care since its birth on campus nine years ago.
The university extended its condolences to Olawuyi’s family, urging them to find solace in divine comfort during this challenging time. Additionally, Vice-Chancellor Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, both immediate and remote.
The loss of Olabode Olawuyi has deeply affected the OAU community, leaving behind a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with working closely with wild animals.
