Lion Attacks, Kills Zookeeper In OAU…Female Colleague Reportedly Hospitalized

A senior non- academic staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife ,Osun state, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi has been attacked and killed by  a 9-year-old lion .

Olawuyi ,a veterinary technologist , had reportedly been in charge of the Zoological Garden at the institution for more than ten years now.

Sources told Team@orientactualmags.com  that a female junior colleague was being attacked by the lion and Olawuyi had sought to rescue her which he eventually did but however lost his life in the process.

The female staff in question, who reportedly survived but had bruises, is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital in the ancient city.

The university had since confirmed the incident and offered condolences while noting that the  Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

‘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.

Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, 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 University’s  Zoological garden .

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 ongoing 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.

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 killed the man who had been feeding them.

The University management team  has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased staff imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has  also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

May the soul of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi rest in peace’ the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, submitted in a statement he issued in Ile Ife on Monday–Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you