A burial ceremony in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, turned tragic after a traditional high chief, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, was shot dead while attending the funeral rites of a fellow traditional title holder.
THE WHISTLER learnt that Akinola was among community members who had gathered for the burial ceremony when a firearm was discharged, sending mourners into panic.
Sources said the bullet struck the traditional chief in the head, killing him instantly.
“During the programme, a firearm was discharged. The bullet struck High Chief Akinwalere directly in the head, resulting in his instant death,” a source said.
The incident reportedly caused confusion among mourners, with the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm remaining unclear.
While some accounts suggested that the shooting could have resulted from an accidental discharge, the police have yet to establish the cause.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident and said one suspect had been arrested.
“One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced,” Jimoh said.
The police investigation is expected to establish how the firearm was discharged and the circumstances that led to the death of the traditional chief.
The incident has plunged the Ayeka community into mourning, with a ceremony meant to bid farewell to one traditional title holder ending in the sudden death of another.
