High Chief Akinwalere Akinola is dead. He was shot during a funeral ceremony in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State. The incident occurred on Monday. He was performing traditional funeral rites for a fellow traditional title holder. A firearm was discharged. The bullet struck him in the head. He died instantly.
Traditional funeral rites in parts of Ondo State often involve the firing of guns into the air. The practice is ceremonial. It honours the deceased. It also signals the status of the community and the family. In some areas, it is performed by titled chiefs or hired handlers. The weapons are usually local Dane guns or locally fabricated pistols. Safety protocols are informal. Accidents occur. In 2019, a chief was injured during a similar ceremony in Owo. In 2022, a mourner died in Akure after a gun went off during a burial. The pattern is known. It is rarely addressed.
Eyewitnesses described the scene. The ceremony was underway. Participants were gathered. A yet-to-be-identified carrier of firearms suddenly discharged. The bullet hit Akinola in the head. He collapsed. Panic followed. Some locals said it was an accidental discharge. Others said the weapon had been handled recklessly. Video footage of the ceremony circulated online.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. The spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested. “One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced,” Jimoh said. He did not disclose the suspect’s identity. He did not say whether the suspect was the shooter or the owner of the weapon. The investigation will establish how the firearm was discharged and who bears responsibility.
The community is in mourning. Akinola was a high chief. His death has shocked Ayeka. Traditional rulers have called for calm. The police have urged witnesses to come forward. No charges have been filed. The suspect remains in custody.
Winners: No winners. The police, if the investigation produces answers. The justice system, if a conviction follows. Losers: High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, who lost his life. His family. The Ayeka community, which loses a leader. The traditional institution, which faces questions over funeral practices. The police, whose investigation must determine whether this was an accident or negligence.
Bottom Line: A high chief died at a funeral. A gun was fired. The bullet hit his head. One suspect is in custody. The police are investigating. Traditional ceremonies involve guns. Safety is informal. Accidents recur. Until the practice is regulated, the next burial will carry the same risk.