The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been urged to immortalise Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist who tragically lost his life while trying to save a colleague from a lion attack at the university zoo.
The request was made during a workshop held to mark the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s passing. The event, organised by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), focused on workplace safety and was held at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU.
The late Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, in a valiant attempt to rescue a junior colleague who was being attacked by a lion during a routine feeding exercise. His courageous act ultimately cost him his life, but it also saved another.
NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who died in service. Represented at the event by the immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged the university management to rename the OAU zoo in his honour.
“He paid the ultimate price, not for himself, but for another,” Nwokoma stated. “The least we can do is ensure that future generations remember his name and what he stood for.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of NAAT-OAU, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, stressed that simply remembering Olawuyi was not enough.
“This is beyond remembrance. His death is a call to action,” Oluwaniyi said. “If OAU truly values his sacrifice, then let his name live on through the renaming of the university zoological garden.”
Speaking at the event, OAU’s Registrar, Mr. Adetunji Bakare, emphasised that Olawuyi’s heroism should not be forgotten, assuring that the university would take concrete steps to ensure his name lives on.
“We are not here to mourn, but to celebrate a man who gave his life so another could live,” Bakare said. “His selflessness must be remembered, and the university will ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.”
While the specific details of how the institution plans to honour Olawuyi were not disclosed, calls have intensified for the university zoo to be renamed after him.
Workplace Safety Under Scrutiny
Beyond honouring Olawuyi’s memory, the workshop also served as a platform to address workplace safety concerns, particularly in high-risk environments like zoological parks.
Workplace hazards remain a significant challenge across industries in Nigeria, and Olawuyi’s death has reignited discussions on the need for stricter safety protocols.
Mr. Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), who was represented by Mr. Harry Ipalibo, the company’s Manager for Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, pointed out that many workplace accidents stem from inadequate safety measures.
“The tragic loss of Mr. Olawuyi is a stark reminder of the dangers many workers face daily,” Temerigha said. “Hazards exist in many workplaces, yet safety is often treated as an afterthought. That must change.”
He outlined several factors contributing to unsafe work environments, including lack of proper training, non-compliance with safety regulations, human error, and fatigue.
A Call for Stronger Safety Measures
To prevent future tragedies, Temerigha suggested a series of safety measures, including:
- Comprehensive safety training for all staff
- Strict enforcement of safety regulations
- Implementation of modern safety technology
- Regular safety audits and risk assessments
- Employee well-being programmes to reduce workplace stress and fatigue
While Olawuyi’s death remains a painful loss, attendees at the workshop agreed that it must serve as a turning point in workplace safety consciousness, especially in environments that pose direct risks to human life.
The Lion Attack: What Went Wrong?
The tragic incident that claimed Olawuyi’s life occurred in the OAU zoological garden, where he worked as a veterinary technologist. Reports indicate that the attack happened during a routine feeding session when the lion suddenly turned aggressive.
Although exact details remain unclear, sources say a junior colleague was inside the enclosure when the lion pounced. Witnesses recount that Olawuyi rushed in to intervene, attempting to pull the victim to safety. Unfortunately, the lion redirected its attack towards him, leading to fatal injuries.
The incident raised serious questions about safety protocols at the zoo, including whether adequate precautions were in place to prevent such an attack. While the university has since taken measures to review and improve its animal handling procedures, some experts argue that the attack was preventable.
A senior staff member at OAU, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that concerns about the zoo’s safety had been raised in the past.
“This is not the first time concerns have been raised about safety measures at the zoo,” the source said. “Had those concerns been addressed earlier, perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided.”