Mr. Richard Idowu, a Nigerian lecturer and member of the Peoples Democratic Party based in the United States of America, was tragically killed in the Ejigbo area of Osun State.
The incident took place between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, causing immense grief within the community and creating a sense of unease among its residents.
The unfortunate incident occurred at the private residence of Prince Eniola Oyeyode, the son of Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, who was celebrating his 50th anniversary on the throne. Furthermore, it has been discovered that Mr. Idowu was attending the coronation anniversary before being called to a meeting at Eniola’s residence along Inisa Road in Ejigbo.
During the meeting, an anonymous eyewitness revealed that Mr. Ayodele Asalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, and another individual named Mr. Timothy were present.
However, after the meeting concluded and the attendees were leaving, gunshots were heard. Tragically, Idowu was struck in the leg and later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ejigbo.
Afiz Lawal, a Personal Assistant to the deceased, provided a detailed account of the incident. He stated that he was present when it occurred and explained that after returning to Osun from Ogun State, where Governor Adeleke had received a Chieftaincy title, they traveled to Ejigbo for the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin.
“Immediately after the coronation party, we were about to start coming to Osogbo when Prince Eniola, son of Ogiyan, told us to go to his house along Inisa Road in Ejigbo for a brief meeting. Those who attended the meeting include Hon. Asler (Ayodele Asalu) and one Hon Timothy.
“When the meeting ended, they all dispersed and were entering their vehicles. 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.
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“Before we could get him to the hospital, he had already lost so much blood and there is no good hospital in Ejigbo. He gave up at a private hospital in Ejigbo. The incident happened between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday. He was a PDP chieftain and a lecturer based in the United States of America.”
Asked if the incident could be regarded as a case of misfiring, Lawal further said, “It may be planned or accidental, but I just narrated how the incident happened because I was at the scene. His remains have been deposited at the morgue of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”
Lawal was unable to verify the claim that the man who fired the shot was beaten to death. The spokesperson for the state police command, Yemisi Opalola, could not be contacted for comment as her mobile line was unreachable, and she has not responded to a text message sent to her at the time of filing this report.
Ahmed Nureni, the Commander of Osun Command of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, commonly referred to as local hunters, stated that none of the group’s members were implicated in the incident. He further emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the killing.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing at Ejigbo during the 50-year coronation celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday partly read, “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.”
