The celebration of the 50th anniversary of a frontline traditional ruler and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin on the throne, ended in tragedy as a middle-aged man and a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Richard Idowu, was shot dead at the residence of the royal father’s son, Prince Eniola Oyeyode, over the weekend.
Online Tribune reported that the incident occurred between 8:00 and 8:30 PM on Saturday, throwing the entire community into states of mourning, sobbing, and weeping as tears rolled uncontrollably from the eyelids of those aware of the incident.
The deceased, also a United States-based lecturer, was said to have participated keenly in the program before being summoned to the king’s residence along Inisa road for a crucial meeting.
After the meeting, it was gathered that, while all those in attendance were trying to leave the venue, gunshots rang out, and a few minutes later, the deceased became a victim of sudden death after being hit with a bullet in the leg.
According to sources, he was quickly rushed to a private hospital in Ejigbo for medical attention, but all efforts were said not to have yielded positive results.
Some other people said to be in attendance at the meeting were a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Ayodele Asalu, and one other person identified as Mr. Timothy.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, one of the deceased’s Personal Assistants, Mr. Afiz Lawal, confirmed the incident, saying it happened in his presence.
According to him, “When we returned to Osun from Ogun State where Governor Adeleke took a Chieftaincy title, we moved 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.
“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.”
“The misfiring 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.”
All efforts to reach the state police command public relations officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, for comments on the mobile phone proved abortive as her line was not going through.
However, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement in Osogbo, ordered an immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing at Ejigbo during the 50-year coronation celebration of the monarch.
The governor, in the statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, remarked, “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 course. Mr. Governor further called for preemptive 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 the 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 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 the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens, especially at public functions.”
