Lion kills OAU veterinary worker during feeding

Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist overseeing the Zoological Garden of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has tragically lost his life after being attacked by a lion on the university campus. According to a statement released by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the incident occurred while Olawuyi was feeding the animals in their enclosure at the garden. Despite efforts from other staff members present at the scene to rescue him, Olawuyi suffered severe injuries inflicted by the lion.

The statement issued by the university expressed deep sorrow and mourning for the untimely demise of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, who had served as the veterinary technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden for over ten years. The university confirmed that the attack took place on Monday, February 19, 2024, when the nine-year-old male lion unexpectedly turned aggressive while Olawuyi was performing his duties. Despite immediate medical attention, all efforts to save Olawuyi’s life proved futile.

Upon receiving the tragic news, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, was briefed by Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, regarding the unsuccessful attempts to revive Olawuyi. The university made the difficult decision to euthanize the lion responsible for the attack. It was noted that Olawuyi had been responsible for caring for the lions since their birth on campus nine years ago, highlighting the tragic irony of his death at the hands of one of the animals he had nurtured.

In response to the incident, the university has reached out to the family of the deceased, offering condolences and urging them to find solace in faith. Additionally, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, aiming to determine both immediate and underlying factors that contributed to the tragedy.