OAU Launches Deep Investigation As Varsity’s Lion Tears Zookeeper Apart Nine Years After

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has launched investigation into circumstances leading to the killing of Mr Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, by a male lion which was kept in the institution’s zoo.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that Olawuyi has been in charge of the Zoological garden of the institution for over a decade until his untimely death in the hands of the wildcat he had nurtured for nine years.

The incident which happened on Monday February 19 had threw the entire school into mourning.

In a statement confirming the incident, by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said that Mr Olawuyi, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 19th February, 2024, by a 9-year-old male 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.

“On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an on going meeting for an on the spot assessment

“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.

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“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 k!lled 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”, the statement reads.

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