Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University until his untimely death, died tragically after being mauled to death by a lion he had been caring for for nine years.
Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, Olawuyi was a veterinary technician who had worked for the university for ten years, as confirmed by the institution.
The university stated in a press release that the incident was confirmed:
“Mr. Olawuyi had been caring for the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago. However, in a tragic turn of events, the male lion attacked the man who had been nurturing them.”
Despite the efforts of other staff members present at the scene, the lion had already inflicted fatal injuries on Olawuyi.
“Upon arrival, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE was informed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that despite all first aid and medical interventions, they were unable to save the victim’s life.”
In response to the incident, the University made the difficult decision to euthanize the aggressive lion. Additionally, the management has dispatched a delegation to offer condolences to the deceased’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in the divine.
Furthermore, a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been initiated to determine both immediate and underlying causes.
