A funeral ceremony for a traditional ruler in Ondo State turned deadly on Tuesday when a gunshot fired during the rites struck and killed another monarch, throwing Ayeka community in Okitipupa Local Government Area into confusion.
The deceased, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, was reportedly among traditional rulers and other community members attending the burial rites of a colleague when the firearm was discharged.
The bullet hit Akinola in the head, killing him instantly, according to a community source familiar with the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of Tuesday evening, with conflicting accounts yet to be resolved by investigators.
The incident reportedly caused panic among mourners and residents as the ceremony was abruptly overshadowed by the death of one of the traditional rulers in attendance.
A video showing the incident and its aftermath later circulated on social media, drawing attention to the fatal shooting.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the death.
Jimoh said the police had commenced a thorough investigation to establish how the firearm was discharged and determine the circumstances that led to Akinola’s death.
The police spokesman did not disclose the identity of the suspect or provide further details on the firearm involved.
The investigation is expected to establish whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate and identify those responsible for the handling and discharge of the weapon during the funeral ceremony.
Akinola’s death has cast a tragic shadow over the burial rites, which had brought traditional rulers and members of the community together to honour a deceased colleague.
