In a heartbreaking turn of events at the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo in Osun State, United States Professor and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Richard Adeoriokin, lost his life when a local security guard mistakenly shot him.
The incident occurred after an event at the king’s residence when Oyeyode Oyesosin, son of the monarch, invited guests, including Professor Adeoriokin, for a brief meeting.
As the guests were bidding farewell, Oyesosin reportedly instructed the security guard to fire gunshots into the air as a gesture.
Unfortunately, a security guard aimed the gun downward, shooting Professor Adeoriokin in the leg. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the professor succumbed to his injuries.
Confirming the incident, Adeoriokin’s personal assistant, Afeez Lawal, recounted the sequence of events, stating, “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 Ayodele Asalu, Timothy and Prof Richard.
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“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,” Lawal disclosed.
The local security guard who fired the shot was reportedly mobbed to death after the shooting.
Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed condolences and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and its aftermath.
In a statement, the governor directed law enforcement agencies to probe the cause of the tragedy. He also dispatched a high-powered delegation to Ejigbo to ensure the restoration of calm in the community.
The delegation, comprising 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, will assess the situation and contribute to the ongoing investigation.
Governor Adeleke emphasised the need for guidelines on the usage of local guns to enhance safety at public functions.
The statement read, “Mr Governor has 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.
“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.”