The Osun State Police Command has arrested Oyo prince Eniola Oyeyode in connection with the fatal shooting of Dr. Richard Adeoriokin, an American-based lecturer and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The incident, which has cast a pall over Ejigbo, occurred at Oyeyode’s residence on Saturday evening, following the 50th Coronation Anniversary celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode.
A source from the Osun State Police Command, who preferred anonymity, informed PUNCH Online that Oyeyode was transferred from Ejigbo to Osogbo for further investigation. Confirming the arrest, Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for the state police command, stated that Oyeyode gave orders to a civilian guard, Hammed Abdul Jelili, to test if a gun was in good condition by firing into the air. Tragically, the gun was fired towards the ground, hitting Dr. Adeoriokin in the leg, which led to his death in a private hospital in Ejigbo.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bzigu Dali Kwazhi, has appealed for calm as a discreet investigation into the incident has commenced. The community of Ejigbo has been plunged into mourning and tension following this shocking event.
An eyewitness, preferring to remain anonymous, recounted that the incident occurred after a brief meeting at Oyeyode’s residence, which Dr. Adeoriokin attended along with APC chieftain Ayodele Asalu and another individual identified as Mr. Timothy. As the meeting concluded and attendees were leaving, gunshots were heard, and Dr. Adeoriokin was fatally wounded.
Afiz Lawal, a personal assistant to the deceased, narrated the incident, explaining that it occurred following the coronation party of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo. Lawal’s account suggests that the shooting could have been accidental or premeditated, but he emphasized that he was presenting the facts as an eyewitness.
Following the incident, the shooter, Jelili, was reportedly beaten to death by an enraged mob. Ahmed Nureni, the Commander of the Osun Command of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, clarified that no member of their group was involved in the incident and called for a thorough investigation.
In response to the tragic events, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation into both the shooting and the subsequent killing of the shooter. A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the need for calm and the rule of law. The governor has also dispatched a high-powered delegation to Ejigbo to ensure peace and support the ongoing investigation. Additionally, he instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on the use of local guns to enhance public safety, particularly during public functions.