Gov. Adeleke calls for calm as US-based professor, security guard, are killed in Osun
By Emma Ogbuehi
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, on Sunday, ordered immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing at Ejigbo, a community in Osun, during the 50 years coronation celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, HRM Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin.
The governor who commiserated with the people of Ejigbo town directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.
Tragedy struck in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday night when a US-based Professor and politician, Richard Adeoriokin, was ‘accidentally’ shot dead by a local security guard while bidding him farewell after an event.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm along Inisha Road of Ejigbo, following the conclusion of a public function attended by Professor Adeoriokin, his political associates, and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
After the meeting at the king’s residence, the son ordered the security guard to fire gunshots into the air to bid farewell to his friends.
Unfortunately, one of the bullets struck the Professor, resulting in his death, and the enraged mob subsequently killed the security guard.
Afeez Lawal, the personal assistant to Professor Richard who was present at the scene, recounted that his boss, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had attended a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was conferred with a chieftaincy title before the tragic incident occurred.
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He said: “We headed to Ejigbo for the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo. Immediately, after the event, we were almost set to go back to Osogbo, the king’s son, Oyeyode Oyesosin, said we should go to his house along Inisha road for a brief meeting, so those that followed him home were Ayodele Asalu, Timothy and Prof Richard.
“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his leg, he fell, before we could rush him to the hospital he had lost a lot of blood. He gave up the ghost at the Baptist hospital in Ejigbo.”
The aide confirmed that the remains of the Professor had been deposited in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue.
Consequently, Governor Adeleke directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.
A statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the governor further called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.
Urging families of the deceased not to take laws into their hands, he has also dispatched a high powered delegation to visit Ejigbo and ensure restoration of calm while investigation continues, the statement further said.
Members of the delegation include the Commissioner of Police, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, the State Commissioner for Information and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.
“What happened today at Ejigbo is really sad. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have directed an immediate investigation into the killings of Dr Richard Adeoriokin and the subsequent killing of his killer.
“I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.