In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Ejigbo, Osun state, a visit by United States Professor and politician, Richard Adeoriokin, took a tragic turn when a local security guard accidentally shot him while bidding farewell after an event. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday along Inisha Road, following a public function attended by Professor Adeoriokin, his political associates, and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
After a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was conferred with a chieftaincy title, the group headed to the king's residence for a brief meeting. The son of the king, in a goodwill gesture, ordered a local security guard to fire gunshots into the air to bid farewell to his friends. Tragically, one of the bullets struck Professor Adeoriokin, leading to his untimely demise. Enraged by the accident, the mob subsequently killed the security guard.
Afeez Lawal, the personal assistant to Professor Richard, who was present at the scene, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. He mentioned that the professor, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had attended the event before the fateful incident occurred.
The remains of Professor Adeoriokin were deposited in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue, according to his aide.
Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed condolences to the Ogiyan of Ejigbo and ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of Adeoriokin and the security guard. He urged law enforcement agencies to uncover the remote and immediate causes of the incident and take appropriate legal action. The governor also called for pre-emptive measures by security agencies to prevent possible counter-attacks or violence in the ancient town.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), through its state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, also condoled with Ejigbo over the tragic death, describing it as wicked. The party urged the Police Authority to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
This unfortunate incident has sparked grief and raised critical questions about security measures at public events, prompting authorities to address the need for enhanced safety protocols, especially when local guns are involved
