The Tragic Demise of Olabode Olawuyi: How a Lion Attack Claimed the Life of the OAU Zookeeper Just One Year Before His Retirement

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The tragic demise of Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated veterinary technologist at the zoological garden of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has plunged the institution into sorrow and reflection.

Olawuyi, who had nurtured a bond with a nine-year-old lion over the years, was fatally attacked by the very animal he had cared for diligently.

The university swiftly responded to the incident by temporarily closing the garden, as confirmed by Wole Odewumi, the chairman of the National Association of Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU) at OAU.

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According to Odewumi, the tragic event unfolded when the lion, unexpectedly, turned aggressive towards a female staff member. In a heroic attempt to rescue her, Olawuyi intervened, perhaps under the assumption that the lion would recognize him.

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Regrettably, Olawuyi succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to the campus health center, while the female staff member is currently undergoing treatment.

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Olawuyi, born on December 22, 1965, was on the brink of retirement in 2025, making his untimely passing all the more poignant.

In a video capturing the aftermath of the incident, the lion, deemed a threat to safety, was ultimately put down by a security operative.

The OAU community, reeling from the loss of a beloved colleague, organized a solemn procession on Tuesday in tribute to Olawuyi. Additionally, university management convened with his grieving family to offer support and solace.

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Odewumi reassured that all unions on campus stood united in honoring Olawuyi’s memory and advocating for appropriate measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He affirmed the institution’s commitment to establishing a committee, inclusive of Olawuyi’s union, tasked with addressing pertinent concerns arising from the unfortunate incident.

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