OAU Zookeeper killed While Trying to Rescue Woman from Lion

Late OAU Zookeeper, Olabode Olawuyi

Authorities at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have made the decision to close down the zoological garden on the institution’s campus following a tragic incident. On Monday, a nine-year-old lion fatally attacked Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist.

Mr. Wole Odewumi, the Chairman of the National Association of Non-Academic Staff of Universities, OAU branch, confirmed the closure, stating that the university management took the step after the incident. He recounted that the lion initially attacked a female staff member before Mr. Olawuyi intervened to free her. Tragically, the lion turned on him, resulting in his untimely death.

Odewumi mentioned a mourning procession held on campus to honor Olawuyi, with university management meeting with his family to offer condolences. The management pledged to take appropriate action and form a committee to address the concerns raised.

Mr. Olawuyi, born on December 22nd, 1965, according to his CV, would have retired in 2025. The university management, in a statement released on Monday, expressed condolences and noted the efforts made by staff to rescue Olawuyi, albeit unsuccessfully.

A security operative, as seen in a video recorded at the scene, later shot the lion dead, while the remains of Olawuyi were sadly laid at the entrance to the garden.

Watch the video below.