On Monday, a tragic incident occurred at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where a lion in the university’s zoological garden fatally attacked a staff member responsible for the facility.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, has called for a comprehensive investigation to understand how the incident happened.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, released a statement detailing the events. The victim, Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, was performing his routine task of feeding the animals when the attack occurred. Olawuyi, who had been overseeing the zoological garden for more than ten years, was attacked by a nine-year-old lion.
Despite the efforts of other staff members who were present to save him, the injuries inflicted by the lion were too severe.
Following the incident, the Vice-Chancellor visited the scene and was briefed by Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre. Despite all medical attempts, they were unable to save Olawuyi’s life.
The university community is deeply saddened by this loss. The lion, which had shown aggressive behavior, has been put down. It’s noteworthy that Mr. Olawuyi had cared for these lions since they were cubs, born on the university campus about nine years ago.
In response to this tragedy, the university management has reached out to the deceased’s family, offering condolences and support during this difficult time. They have been encouraged to find comfort in their faith during this period of mourning.
