By ADEREMI BAMGBOSE

Oba Michael Babatunde-Ayeyowa, the Lumure of Ayeka Kingdom in Okitipupa, has expressed sadness over the death of one of his chiefs who was accidentally killed during a funeral rite of another chief.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unfortunate incident happened during the funeral rite organised on Tuesday for late Chief Omosuyi Obolo, the Odunwo of Ayeka.

One of the chiefs (name withheld) attempted to fire a celebratory gunshot into the air during the funeral, but an accidental discharge struck High Chief Akinwalere Akinola in the head, killing him instantly.

The ceremony, which had drawn family members, community leaders, and residents together, was abruptly halted as panic spread following the tragic gunshot.

Oba Babatunde-Ayeyowa, while speaking with NAN on Thursday in Okitipupa, said that the tragedy has affected chiefs and residents of the kingdom negatively.

The traditional ruler stated that the situation called for a traditional investigation, describing the event as a bad omen that no leader should ever witness.

He described the incident as shocking and sad, saying ”although a king does not mourn but since that incident I have not been feeling fine.”

“My chiefs are not happy, even residents of the community are not wearing good looks over the matter since the day of the incident, because it is an unfortunate incident.

“Such incident calls for traditional investigation and we will do all the necessary things in order to avert such a horrible incident and I also pray not to witness such throughout my reign on this throne,” he said.

The traditional ruler, however, urged his chiefs to push the incident past them and urge residents to go about their normal business activities, assuring them of peace and stability in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Chief Andrew Olibamo, the Aribo of Ayeka, expressed shock over the incident, stating that all chiefs in the kingdom were deeply saddened by the tragedy.

“It’s an unfortunate incident but we will do all necessary things traditionally to avert a repeat of such an horrible incident,” Olibamo said.

High Chief Kolawole Adeule, the Kanye of Ayeka, also expressed sadness over the incident, saying the incident affected Kabiyesi, all chiefs and residents of the community.

He noted that traditional funeral rites were not unusual in the community, adding that the chief responsible for the accidental discharge must be thoroughly investigated.

“It is our culture and tradition to organise funeral rites for our late colleagues; this incident won’t stop further rites too but we will need be more careful in subsequent ones,” Adeule said.

Meanwhile, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command told NAN on telephone, that one person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

He added that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and information would be made public after the conclusion of the investigation. (NAN)