Son of Osun traditional ruler arrested in connection with U.S.-based professor’s killing

Prince Eniola Oyeyode, the son of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, is now in police custody over the killing of United States-based lecturer Prof Richard Idowu.

On Sunday, January 28, Diaspora Digital Media reported the incident which unfolded on Saturday evening, throwing the community into mourning and sparking tension among residents.

According to eyewitnesses, the tragic incident occurred at Prince Oyeyode’s private residence after a meeting with chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ejigbo town.

As the attendees were leaving the premises, gunshots allegedly fired on Prince Oyeyode’s instructions struck Idowu on the leg, ultimately leading to his death during treatment at a private hospital in Ejigbo.

Afiz Lawal, the deceased’s Personal Assistant, who was present during the incident, recounted the tragic events.

After a series of celebratory events, including Governor Ademola Adeleke’s chieftaincy title in Ogun State and the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, the group moved to Prince Eniola’s house for a brief meeting.

Lawal explained, “When the meeting ended, they all dispersed and were entering their vehicles.

I heard Prince Eniola say: ‘Release,’ asking a local hunter there on the premises to release gunshots into the air.

Unfortunately, instead of firing into the air, he shot towards the ground. And that was how Hon Richard Idowu was hit on the leg, and he immediately fell.”

Despite efforts to rush Idowu to the hospital, he had lost a significant amount of blood, and he succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Ejigbo.

The incident, occurring between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, has raised questions about whether it was a case of misfiring or pre-planned murder.

In a tragic turn, the man who fired the fatal shot attempted to flee the area but was caught and shot dead by some aides attached to the deceased.

The Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed Prince Eniola Oyeyode’s arrest, stating, “Prince Eniola Oyeyode, who gave the order to his civilian guard to fire the gun, has been arrested and detained.”

The Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, led state government officials on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased PDP chieftain in Ejigbo.

Alimi mentioned that the police have initiated a full investigation, and the state government is awaiting the report.

As the community grieves this tragedy, calls for calm resonate, urging residents to await the outcome of the police investigation.

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