The untimely demise of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University, has sent shockwaves through the institution and beyond. Tragically, Mr. Olawuyi lost his life after being mauled by a lion he had nurtured for nine years.
Confirmed by the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, Mr. Olawuyi served as a Veterinary Technologist at the institution for a decade, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his role.
In a somber press statement addressing the incident, the university recounted the tragic sequence of events, noting that Mr. Olawuyi had been caring for the lions since their birth on campus nearly a decade ago. Despite his nurturing efforts, the male lion unexpectedly attacked him, inflicting fatal injuries.
Efforts by fellow staff members to save Mr. Olawuyi proved futile, and despite immediate medical interventions, he succumbed to his injuries. Upon receiving the distressing news, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE was briefed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, on the unsuccessful attempts to save Mr. Olawuyi’s life.
In response to the tragic incident, the university made the difficult decision to euthanize the aggressive lion. Additionally, a delegation from the university has been dispatched to offer condolences to Mr. Olawuyi’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in divine comfort during this difficult time.
Furthermore, the university has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to identify both immediate and underlying causes, ensuring measures are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.