The 50th anniversary of a monarch and the chieftaincy conferment on Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State at Ejigbo at the weekend turned fatal when Prof. Richard Adeoriokin, a politician from the United States was “unintentionally” shot dead.
Adeoriokin, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, was reportedly killed by a local security guard when he “ecstatically” gave him a three-gun salute to bid him an after-event goodbye to the U.S.
The deceased and his political associates had attended a ceremony where Adeleke was given a chieftaincy title in Ejigbo which also marked the 50th anniversary of the monarch, Ogiyan of Ejigbo’s coronation, Persecondnews gathered.
The incident occurred on Saturday night about 8:20 p.m. attended by Adeoriokin and Mr Oyeyode Oyesosin, the son of the traditional ruler, who excitedly gave the security guard an order to shoot into the air to bid him farewell after their meeting at the monarch’s son’s residence.
Unfortunately, one of the shots killed the Professor, and the security guy was later assassinated by the furious mob, Persecondnews learnt.
Mr Afeez Lawal, the late
Professor’s Personal Assistant, who was at the scene, narrated the tragic incident that claimed his boss, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): “We went to Ejigbo for the 50th anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo’s coronation.
“We were about to return to Osogbo following the event when Oyeyode Oyesosin, the king’s son, suggested we go to his house on Inisha Road for a brief discussion. Prof. Richard, Timothy, and Ayodele Asalu followed him home.
“The local security was tasked with firing guns into the air as a farewell gesture from the king’s son, but one of their weapons was pointing downward, so the bullet struck Professor in the leg and caused him to fall.
“Before we could get him to the hospital, he had already lost a lot of blood. At the Baptist Hospital in Ejigbo, he had passed on.”
He said his remains had been deposited in the mortuary at Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ademola Adeleke while expressing condolences to Oba Omowonuola Oyeyosin, has ordered a probe into the deaths of Adeoriokin and another person.
In addition, he demanded that the security services take proactive measures to stop any potential retaliation or escalation of violence in the historic town in the wake of the tragic tragedy.
“What happened 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,” the governor said.
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