Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has announced the immediate closure of Agodi Zoo located in Ibadan, the State capital.
According to a statement signed by the state commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, the decision to close down the zoological garden was based on the report received from the company managing the Zoo, AM & C, that one of the lions at the facility had accidentally attacked one of the attendants, Mr. Hamzat Oyekunle popularly known as Baba Olorunwa, who later died from injuries sustained from the incident.
Meanwhile, the lions have been evacuated pending further investigations.
The government’s decision was contained in a statement at the weekend by the Executive Secretary, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), Mr. Yinka Fatoki who expressed shock at the unfortunate incident.
He said that the incident is particularly surprising and sad as the said Mr. Oyekunle had fed the lion for over five years and was known to have had a very good relationship with all the animals in the zoo.
Meanwhile, government representatives have visited the family to commiserate with them over the demise of Mr. Oyekunle.