In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist overseeing the Zoological Garden of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has tragically lost his life to a lion attack on campus.
The institution’s management, as conveyed in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, clarified that the incident occurred while Olawuyi was engaged in feeding the animals within their enclosure at the garden.
Despite the immediate response of fellow staff members to rescue Olawuyi, the lion had already inflicted fatal injuries upon him, as relayed by Olanrewaju.
“The entire Obafemi Awolowo University community mourns the untimely passing of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi,” the statement lamented.
Further details revealed that the attack transpired on Monday, February 19, 2024, involving a nine-year-old male lion. The management swiftly terminated their ongoing meeting upon receiving the distressing news, with Vice Chancellor Prof Simeon Bamire leading an on-site assessment.
Efforts by the university’s medical team to save Olawuyi’s life were unfortunately unsuccessful. Consequently, in response to the aggressive behavior displayed by the lion, it was euthanized as a safety precaution.
Olawuyi had been dedicatedly caring for the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago. The incident marks a tragic end to his tenure of nurturing the animals he had tended to for so long.
The university extended its condolences to Olawuyi’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in faith during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The loss of Olabode Olawuyi serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in working closely with wildlife, prompting the institution to prioritize safety measures and thorough assessments to prevent such incidents in the future.