TheCable

Richard Adeoriokin, a United States professor and politician, has been accidentally killed by a security guard in Ejigbo, Osun.

The incident occurred on Saturday night along Inisha road after the conclusion of a public function attended by the professor, his political associates, and the son of Oyeyode Oyesosin, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo.

Opalola Yemisi, state police spokesperson, confirmed the development to TheCable on Sunday.

According to Afeez Lawal, Adeoriokin’s personal assistant, after attending the Ogiyan of Ejigbo’s 50th coronation anniversary, the group began making plans to go back to Osogbo, Osun’s capital.

Lawal said the king’s son requested they return home with him for a brief meeting.

“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his 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,” a report quoted Lawal as saying.

The aide said the remains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain had been deposited at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

In a statement, Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, condoled the monarch and ordered a thorough investigation into Adeoriokin’s killing.

“What happened at Ejigbo is really sad. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have directed an immediate investigation into the killings of Dr Richard Adeoriokin and the subsequent killing of his killer,” the statement reads.

The governor also said he had instructed the state police to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns.

“Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens, especially at public functions,” Adeleke said.

Yemisi told TheCable that the culprits had been arrested and that investigations had commenced.