Adeleke Directs Investigation Of Osun Death Of US-Based PDP Leader

The death of Hon. Richard Idowu, a prominent member of the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with headquarters in the United States, has reportedly drawn the attention of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State. Idowu was slain by a local hunter in his hometown in the Ejigbo area of the state.

Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, made a statement on Sunday that included this information.

According to the statement, the governor also ordered an investigation into the counter-killing at Ejigbo during the 50-year coronation celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin.

The statement partly reads, “The Governor who commiserates with the people of Ejigbo town directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.

“Mr Governor further called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.

“Urging families of the deceased not to take laws into their hands, the Governor has also dispatched a high-powered delegation to visit Ejigbo and ensure restoration of calm while the investigation continues.

“Members of the delegation include the Commissioner of Police, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, the State Commissioner for Information, and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Security.

“What happened today 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.

“I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions.”

Vanguard had earlier reported that the incident which occurred on Saturday evening, according to eye witnesses overshadowed the 50th coronation anniversary of the town’s traditional ruler, which the deceased came from his base in the United States of America to attend.

It was gathered that Idowu along with some other prominent sons of the ancient town went to a meeting in a part of the town after the coronation event.

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As they were about leaving the venue of the meeting, the local hunters in the building were said to be shooting sporadically in celebration mood when one of them accidentally shot the party chieftain.

It was gathered that one of the security operatives attached to the deceased shot the hunter on the spot.

A Special Assistant to the deceased, Afeez Lawal, who confirmed the incident said the deceased died after loosing much blood, as he did not get adequate attention.

“When we returned from the event where the governor was conferred a chieftaincy title, we headed to Ejigbo for the 50th-year coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo.

“Immediately, after we left the party, we were almost set to go back to Osogbo, the king’s son, Oyeyode Oyesosin said we should go to his house along Inisha road, that they wanted to do brief meeting, so those that followed him home are Asalu, Timothy and himself.

“To say goodbye to them, the king’s son gave the local hunters an order to shoot into the air. But, one of the hunters’ guns was pointed downward, so instead of firing upward, he fired downward, hitting Idowu in the leg. He fell, and before we could get him to the hospital, he had lost a lot of blood,” the man stated.