Ondo: Traditional chief shot dead at colleague’s burial

A traditional high chief in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, has been shot dead during the burial ceremony of a fellow traditional title holder.

The incident occurred during the funeral rites when members of the community and other dignitaries had gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased. Blueprint reports

Sources said a firearm was discharged during the ceremony, with the bullet reportedly hitting Akinola in the head.

The impact of the gunshot was said to have caused the immediate death of the traditional chief, leaving mourners and other participants at the ceremony in confusion.

Shooting causes panic at burial ceremony

According to sources familiar with the incident, the shooting occurred while the burial programme was ongoing.

A source who spoke on the incident said the firearm was discharged within the gathering before the bullet struck Akinola.

“During the programme, a firearm was discharged. The bullet struck High Chief Akinwalere directly in the head, resulting in his instant death,” the source said.

The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm, however, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The incident reportedly disrupted the burial ceremony as mourners and other participants became apprehensive following the shooting.

Police arrest one suspect

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, saying one suspect has been arrested in connection with the death.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest and said investigation had commenced.

“One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced,” Jimoh said.

The police spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the suspect or provide further details on the circumstances leading to the shooting.

He indicated that the ongoing investigation would establish what happened and determine responsibility for the death.

Cause of shooting yet to be established

While preliminary accounts have raised the possibility that the firearm may have been discharged accidentally, the police have not officially established the cause of the shooting.

Authorities are expected to determine how the firearm was handled, who discharged it and the circumstances under which the bullet struck the traditional chief.

The development has also raised concerns over the handling of firearms at public gatherings, particularly ceremonies attended by large numbers of people.

As investigation continues, the police are expected to gather statements from witnesses and other participants who were present at the burial ceremony.

The death of Akinola has cast a pall over the community, with the traditional chief reportedly killed while attending a ceremony meant to honour another deceased traditional title holder.

The police have yet to announce whether additional arrests will be made as the investigation progresses.