The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the reckless driver who fatally struck Professor Oladipupo Ademuyiwa, a Biochemistry lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
A senior police officer involved in the investigation has revealed that the suspect is believed to be an internet fraudster, commonly known as a Yahoo boy. However, the driver remains at large, and all attempts to trace the suspect and the vehicle used in the accident have so far been unsuccessful.
Hit-and-Run Incident Leaves No Immediate Leads
The fatal accident occurred along the Kemta-Somorin axis of Ajebo Road, Ogun State. According to an eyewitness, the driver was speeding recklessly when he hit Professor Ademuyiwa, immediately fleeing the scene without offering help.
Upon receiving a distress call from a passerby, police officers rushed to the location but found only the professor’s lifeless body. The suspect had already escaped, leaving authorities with little information to track him down.
An eyewitness, who initially alerted the police, described the driver as a young man exhibiting behavior typically associated with internet fraudsters.
“An eyewitness reported the incident to the police, and we moved to the scene, but by the time we arrived, the driver had fled. The eyewitness described the suspect as a young man suspected to be a Yahoo boy due to his approach and the reckless manner in which he drove,” a police source disclosed.
Efforts to Track the Driver Prove Challenging
Despite launching a search operation, authorities have struggled to find concrete leads on the driver or the vehicle involved.
- Nearby CCTV footage was unavailable – Investigators approached the owner of a CCTV camera near the scene, but the camera was not operational at the time of the accident.
- No damaged vehicle sightings – Police alerted nearby divisions and mechanic workshops, requesting them to report any accident-damaged vehicle, but no relevant reports have been received so far.
- Roadblocks and patrols increased – Officers have intensified patrols and surveillance, particularly around Ajebo Road and its surroundings, in hopes of spotting the suspect’s vehicle.
A police source confirmed that despite these setbacks, authorities remain committed to bringing the driver to justice.
“We are definitely on the lookout for the suspect. The case is being treated with urgency, and we will ensure he is brought to justice.”
FUNAAB and Community Mourn the Loss of Professor Ademuyiwa
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Professor Ademuyiwa, describing his passing as a great loss to the institution and the academic community.
In a statement posted on its Instagram page, the university shared a tribute alongside a photograph of the professor.
“The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, deeply regrets to announce the passing of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa of the Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences. His sad demise occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
“The university community mourns this great loss and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Students and faculty members have also taken to social media to express their grief, sharing fond memories of the professor and calling for justice.
Community Leaders Blame Poor Road Safety Measures
Following the tragic accident, residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta-Somorin, have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to curb reckless driving and prevent further tragedies.
The Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), Ayo Ajasa, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to install road safety measures, despite repeated pleas from residents.
“The Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, is deeply saddened by the tragic and avoidable loss of Prof. Oladipo Ademuyiwa, who fell victim to a reckless hit-and-run driver on Prof. Wole Soyinka Road within the Kemta-Somorin area.
“This unfortunate incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further tragedies on this road.”
Ajasa noted that just 24 hours after the professor’s death, another accident occurred on the same stretch of road, proving that the area remains highly dangerous.
CDA Demands Immediate Action from Ogun State Government
The Ajebo Road Housing Estate CDA has outlined a series of urgent demands for the Ogun State Government, insisting that immediate steps be taken to prevent further accidents.
The community is demanding:
- Installation of speed breakers along Prof. Wole Soyinka Road
- Lorry barriers to prevent reckless overspeeding
- Clear traffic signage to caution motorists
- Stricter enforcement of road safety laws
Ajasa emphasized that it is unacceptable for a law-abiding community to suffer repeated accidents and now the loss of an esteemed professor, simply due to government inaction.
“The government did not hesitate to install speed bumps on the Ilugun end of the road but ignored our persistent requests to safeguard lives in Ajebo Road Housing Estate.
“Another accident occurred within 24 hours of this tragic incident, proving that this road remains a death trap.”
Ogun State Government Denies Responsibility
In response to public criticism, the Ogun State Government has denied any responsibility for Professor Ademuyiwa’s death, stating that it is unfair and misleading to blame the government for an accident caused by a reckless driver.
Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, released a statement rejecting accusations of negligence.
“It is mischievous and misleading to suggest that the government is responsible for this unfortunate incident.
“This was a case of reckless driving by a hit-and-run driver, and we are confident that the law enforcement agencies are doing everything necessary to apprehend the suspect.”
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain an official statement from the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, have been unsuccessful, as she has yet to respond to media inquiries.
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of Professor Ademuyiwa has sparked serious concerns over reckless driving, road safety, and the need for stricter traffic laws in Ogun State.
- The police remain committed to tracking down the hit-and-run driver and ensuring justice is served.
- Residents are demanding immediate government intervention to install safety measures on the road where the accident occurred.
- The Ogun State Government has dismissed accusations of negligence, stating that the driver is solely to blame.
As investigations continue, the academic community and local residents await answers and hope for lasting solutions to prevent future tragedies.
