US Professor And Politician Killed By Stray Bullet In Ejigbo
A US professor and politician, Richard Adeoriokin, met his untimely death on Saturday night, January 27, 2024, when he was hit by a stray bullet fired by a local security guard in Ejigbo, Osun state.
The incident happened around 8:30 pm along Inisha Road, after Professor Adeoriokin had attended a public function with his political associates and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
According to Afeez Lawal, the personal assistant to the deceased, the son of the king had ordered the security guard to fire gunshots into the air as a gesture of farewell to his guests, but one of the bullets struck the professor on his leg, causing him to bleed profusely.
He said: “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 to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his leg, he fell, before we could rush him to the hospital he had lost a lot of blood. He gave up the ghost at the Baptist hospital in Ejigbo.”
Lawal confirmed that the body of the professor, who was a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been deposited at Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue.
The security guard who fired the fatal shot was also killed by an angry mob, who lynched him at the scene.
The tragic incident has drawn the attention of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, who has ordered a thorough investigation and called for calm among the residents.
He said: “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. I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens, especially at public functions.”
He also urged the families of the deceased not to take laws into their own hands, but to allow the law to take its course.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also expressed its sympathy to the people of Ejigbo, describing the death of the professor as tragic and wicked.
The state chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal, said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our prominent sons, Dr Richard Adeoriokin, who was a distinguished scholar and politician. We condemn this senseless act of violence and call on the police to bring the perpetrators to justice. We also commiserate with the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyosin, and the entire Ejigbo community over this unfortunate incident.”
