The police in Osun have confirmed the tragic killing of Dr. Richard Adeoriokin, a Nigerian lecturer based in the United States, in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Saturday. According to SP Yemisi Opalola, the Osun police spokesperson, a suspect has been apprehended in connection with the murder.
Opalola stated, “Police in Osun is aware of the shooting that occurred at Ejigbo, which led to the death of Dr. Richard Adeoriokin. The incident occurred on Saturday after the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin.”
She continued, “One Prince Eniola Oyeyode of Ejigbo instructed one of his civilian guards, Hammed Jelili, to fire his double-barreled gun into the air to confirm if the gun was in good condition. Jelili instead shot directly at the victim, and he was rushed to a hospital but confirmed dead on arrival by a doctor.”
Opalola further explained, “Prince Oyeyode, who gave the order to his civilian guard to fire the gun, has been arrested and detained. Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mr Bzigu Kwazhi, appeals to members of the public, especially residents of Ejigbo, to remain calm as investigation into the matter has started.”
In response to the incident, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation into the killing of the lecturer. His media aide, Malam Olawale Rasheed, conveyed the governor’s directives, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation and the maintenance of peace in Ejigbo.
Rasheed quoted the governor as saying, “The governor commiserates with the people of Ejigbo and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its course.”
He added, “The governor also called for pre-emptive action by security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attack or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.”
Rasheed concluded by stating, “He urged families of the deceased not to take the law into their hands and dispatched a high-powered delegation to visit Ejigbo to ensure the restoration of calm while investigations continue. Members of the delegation are the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, the Commissioner for Information, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.”
Governor Adeleke emphasised the importance of police guidelines on the usage of local guns to enhance the safety and protection of citizens, especially at public functions.
