JUST-IN: Tragedy As Lion Mauls Zookeeper To Death In OAU

• The Vice-Chancellor has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
• 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. 

The sudden death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi has left the administration, personnel, students, and entire campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, in sadness.

According to a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, he said Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who has overseen the Zoological Garden for more than ten years, was attacked this afternoon, Wednesday, February 19, 2024, by a 9-year-old male lion while he was providing food for them in their den at the University’s Zoological Garden.

Although the other employees at the scene of the tragedy made every effort to save their boss, the wild cat had already resulted in serious casualties.

On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an 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 has 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.

May the soul of Mr Olabode Olawuyi rest in peace.