A Nigerian lecturer and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member residing in the United States, Mr. Richard Idowu, was fatally shot in Osun’s Ejigbo area.
According to reports, the incident happened during the 50th coronation celebration of Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo.
The tragic occurrence, transpiring between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, stirred mourning and tension in the community.
The shooting took place in the private residence of Prince Eniola Oyeyode, Ogiyan’s son, where Idowu, who was part of the coronation festivities, was attending a post-event meeting.
Eyewitnesses reported that after the meeting, gunshots rang out as attendees were leaving.
Idowu was struck in the leg and succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident, involving local hunters firing shots, left the community in shock.
Afiz Lawal, a Personal Assistant to the deceased, recounted the tragic event, stating, “I heard Prince Eniola say, release, asking a local hunter there on the premises to release gunshots into the air. Unfortunately, instead of firing into the air, he shot towards the ground. And that was how Hon Richard Idowu was hit on the leg, and he immediately fell.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a swift investigation into the incident, urging law enforcement agencies to probe the causes thoroughly.
A delegation, including the Commissioner of Police and other officials, has been dispatched to Ejigbo to restore calm.
Governor Adeleke expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and emphasized the need for regulating the use of local guns at public functions to enhance citizens’ safety.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday partly reads, “The Governor who commiserates 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. Mr 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, the Governor has also dispatched a high-powered delegation to visit Ejigbo and ensure restoration of calm while the investigation continues. 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 of 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 the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions.”
