A United States-based Professor and politician, Richard Adeoriokin, has tragically lost his life after being accidentally shot by a local security guard in Osun State. The incident occurred on Saturday evening in Ejigbo, following the conclusion of a public function attended by Professor Adeoriokin, his political associates, and the son of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
According to witnesses, after the meeting at the king’s residence, the son instructed the security guard to fire gunshots into the air as a farewell gesture to their guests. Tragically, one of the bullets struck Professor Adeoriokin, instantly resulting in his death.
The immediate demise of the Professor sparked outrage among the local community, leading to a swift and violent response. A mob formed and retaliated, killing the security guard responsible for the accidental shooting.
Afeez Lawal, the personal assistant to the Professor who was present at the scene, provided a harrowing account of the events leading up to the incident. He explained that Professor Adeoriokin, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had attended a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was being honored with a chieftaincy title.
Lawal further detailed 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.
When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns into the air as a gesture. Unfortunately, one of the security guards’ guns was facing downward, and instead of firing into the sky, he accidentally fired the bullet downward, hitting Professor Adeoriokin in the leg. Despite our efforts to rush him to the hospital, he had lost too much blood and passed away at the Baptist hospital in Ejigbo.
The body of Professor Adeoriokin has been deposited at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue.
In response to the tragic incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of Professor Adeoriokin and another individual. He expressed his condolences to the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyosin, and urged families of the deceased not to take matters into their own hands.
Governor Adeleke stated, 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.
He also emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to establish guidelines regarding the usage of local guns, as this would help enhance the safety and protection of citizens, particularly during public functions.
The tragic incident in Osun State serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent gun safety regulations and the need for proper training to prevent such accidental shootings. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Professor Richard Adeoriokin, who has left behind a legacy as an esteemed educator and dedicated politician.
