Memorial Service Held for Heroic Veterinary Technologist Killed by Lion at OAU Zoological Garden

Colleagues and associates of the late Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, gathered on Monday to pay tribute to his bravery and selflessness. Olawuyi tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue a subordinate who was attacked by a lion at the university’s zoological garden on Monday, February 19.

The memorial service, organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), brought together members of Olawuyi’s family, colleagues, classmates, university unions, and representatives of the university’s management. Participants fondly remembered Olawuyi’s heroic act and called for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Addressing the gathering, the chairman of NAAT, OAU chapter, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, praised Olawuyi’s dedication to caring for the animals in the zoological garden. He highlighted Olawuyi’s courageous act of putting his own life at risk to save a colleague from the lion’s attack, emphasizing that Olawuyi’s actions exemplified true humanity, courage, dedication, compassion, and selflessness.

Oluwaniyi acknowledged that the management and union had failed to heed Olawuyi’s repeated warnings about unsafe working conditions in the zoological garden. He expressed regret over their oversight and pledged to work diligently with the university administration, local and international organizations, and regulatory bodies to ensure the creation of a safe and secure work environment for all staff members.