U.S.-based professor shot dead in Osun after party, mob kills gunman

• Adeleke condoles with deceased’s family, orders probe

Residents of Ejigbo, the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Council of Osun State, were thrown into panic at the weekend, as two persons were killed after attending a party.

One of the deceased, a United States of America-based Nigerian lecturer and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Richard Idowu, was shot by a local hunter who had wanted to bid him (Idowu) goodbye by firing into the air.

The Guardian learnt that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m., on Saturday, and that the man who allegedly fired the shot was beaten to death by an angry mob.

The victims were killed after attending the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode, at the private residence of Eniola Oyeyode, a son to the traditional ruler of the town.

Afiz Lawal, a personal assistant to Idowu, 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 said we should go to his house, along Inisha road, for a brief meeting. Those that followed him home were Ayodele Asalu, Timothy, and Prof. Richard.

“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security men to fire into the air. Unfortunately, one of the security men’s guns was pointed downwards. Instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downwards.

“The bullet hit the professor on the 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.”

Asked if the incident was a case of misfiring, Lawal said: “It may be planned or accidental. I just narrated how the incident happened because I was at the scene. His remains have been deposited at the morgue of the University of Osun State (UNIOSUN) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”
 
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing.The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, yesterday, commiserated with the people of Ejigbo town and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.
   
Adeleke called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the town. He instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on usage of local guns, saying such regulations will enhance safety and protection of citizens, especially at public functions.
 
Urging families of the deceased not to take laws into their hands, the governor also dispatched a delegation to visit Ejigbo to ensure calm as investigation continues.