The Oyo State Government has announced the immediate closure of Agodi Zoo, in Ibadan, the state capital.The government said this decision is based on the report received from the company managing it, AM & C, that one of the lions at the zoo had accidentally attacked one of the attendants, Mr. Hamzat Oyekunle popularly known as Baba Olorunwa, who later died from injuries sustained from the incident.
It will be the second time in 26 years that the state capital will witness a similar incident. The first time, one Prophet Daniel Abodunrin who attempted to relive the Biblical story of Daniel in the lion’s den, was mauled by a lion at the zoological garden at the University of Ibadan.
Meanwhile, the lions have been evacuated pending further investigations.
The government 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