The National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Universities (NANTSU) has expressed deep condolences over the tragic demise of Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday at the university’s zoological garden when Olawuyi was fatally attacked by a lion.
Wole Odewumi, the NANTSU OAU branch chairman, confirmed the incident and additionally reported that another staff member sustained injuries during the tragic event. While details surrounding the incident remain unclear, Odewumi disclosed that information about how it occurred has not been fully disclosed.
There are speculations that the deceased may have inadvertently left the lion’s cage open while attempting to feed the animal, leading to the fatal attack. However, Odewumi refrained from confirming this claim, pledging to visit the scene to gather more information.
Offering condolences to Olawuyi’s family, Odewumi emphasized NANTSU’s commitment to meeting with the university’s management to discuss the welfare of the bereaved family. He underscored that the loss of Olawuyi is deeply felt by the entire OAU community.
In shedding light on the incident, Odewumi stated, “A member of the association also working at the garden reported to me that the incident happened while the deceased was trying to feed the animal. Immediately, I heard of it, I contacted other people on campus. It is true that another staff also got injured.”
He continued, “The injured staff could have sustained the injury when those at the scene were running helter-skelter in panic during the incident. As a union leader, I have to get the facts around the incident. I condole the family. The person may be the breadwinner of his family. May God console them. I urge them to accept the incident.”
Odewumi concluded by expressing the association’s intention to engage with the university management to address the steps they plan to take regarding the family left behind by the deceased. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring safety protocols in zoological environments and highlights the need for comprehensive support for the affected staff and their families.
