On Monday, February 19, 2024, Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, Osun State, was mauled to death by a 9-year-old male lion which has been under his care since birth.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the country’s premier institution said “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”.
A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Olawuyi who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked by the lion when he was feeding them in their den at the Zoological garden of the University.
“The other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
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“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.
“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,” the statement read.
Veterinary experts have suggested that the unfortunate incident may have been caused by carelessness. They suggested that while the lions are fed in the inner chambers of the OAU Zoo, one of the exit gates may have been left open after the feeding.
