Security guard mistakenly shoots US-based lecturer to death during coronation anniversary in Osun

A Nigerian professor at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, United States, Richard Adeoriokin, was ‘accidentally’ shot dead by a local security guard at a ceremony in Ejigbo, Osun State.

The incident happened on Saturday, December 27, 2024, at Ejigbo during the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin.

The incident was confirmed by the late professor’s personal assistant, Afeez Lawal.

“I witnessed the incident. It occurred around 8:30 p.m on Saturday after Dr Adeoriokin finished attending the 50th coronation anniversary of Ogiyan of Ejigbo. He was invited over by the son of the king, Oyeyode,
to his house in Ejigbo.

“He attended meetings with his friends including Ayodele Asalu and one Timothy. After we were about to leave with everybody, the king’s son ordered the local security at the place to fire gunshots into the air to bid them goodbye.

“One of the local security guards whose gun was facing downward fired a shot and a bullet hit Dr Richard on his leg. Before we could rush him to hospital, he lost too much blood. He later died at Baptist Hospital Ejigbo.

“The remains of Dr Richard has been deposited at the morgue at Osun State University Teaching Hospital. We were there this morning.”

Meanwhile, it was reliably gathered that the local security guard who fired the shot was mobbed to death after the shooting.

Subsequently, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing at Ejigbo.

Speaking through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke commiserated with the people of Ejigbo town and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter.

The governor further called for 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 own hands.

The governor also dispatched a delegation to visit Ejigbo and ensure restoration of calm while 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.

According to him,

”What happened in 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 usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions.”

Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, condoled with the people of Ejigbo over the killing of one of its prominent indigenes, describing Adeoriokin’s death as tragic and wicked.

“It sounds strange that some people will deliberately resort to the extra-judicial killing of a fellow citizen in the country where the rule of law is supposed to be our pathfinder.

“No one, I repeat, no one, who was associated with the Ejigbo killing should be spared for any reason. We, as a party, share in the sorrow of the Ogiyan, the people of Ejigbo and the immediate family of the deceased.

“May God repose the soul of the deceased and grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their loved one.”

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