The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community has been plunged into mourning and a state of shock following the untimely death of Mr Olabode Olawuyi, a long-serving Veterinary Technologist in the University’s Zoological Garden. The 9-year-old male lion, housed at the University’s Zoo, was responsible for the fatal attack that led to his death
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According to a statement released by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, Mr Olabode Olawuyi was feeding the lions in their den when the incident occurred. Despite the best efforts of other staff members present, the lion had already inflicted severe injuries that proved fatal.
Upon hearing the news, the university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting to conduct an on-site assessment. The Vice-Chancellor was informed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save Olawuyi’s life had been unsuccessful.
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In response to this tragic event, the university’s management sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, offering condolences and encouraging them to take solace in God. The aggressive lion was euthanized as a result of the attack.
Olawuyi had been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago. The university has now ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
It is important to note that the lion did not escape the Zoological Garden, but rather the animal was responsible for the death of the individual who had been feeding it.