OAU zookeeper Olabode Olawuyi killed by lion buried

The zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, who was killed by a lion, Olabode Olawuyi has been buried.

Mr Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, was killed by a nine-year-old lion at the university’s zoological garden on February 19.

He was attacked while attempting to rescue a colleague who was attacked by the lion.

The burial took place on Wednesday at OAU Cemetery after a funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ile-Ife.

Olawuyi’s wife, children, as well as members of staff of the university were present at the funeral service.

In his sermon, Pastor Olu Okotoni said death was unavoidable and that everyone should prepare ahead of his or her last day on earth.

Okotoni, who noted that Olawuyi’s death came unexpectedly, said that man was appointed to die once and thereafter, judgment.

He said the deceased made a sacrificial service to save the life of a colleague.

“We believe we will see him again on the glorious day. He was a born again Christian until his last breath and he lived a fulfilled life,” he said.

Spokesman of the OAU Abiodun Olarewaju earlier said the male lion was euthanised after the attack.

Olawuyi was reportedly in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade before the incident.