The Ogun State Government has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the alleged shooting and subsequent death of one of its contract staff, Seyi Afolabi, during a routine physical planning and urban development exercise along the Siun–Abeokuta Expressway are brought to justice.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, gave the assurance on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, while receiving members of the deceased’s family in his office.
Odunlami disclosed that individuals allegedly connected to the incident had been identified, stressing that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun would not abandon the late contract staff, who died in the line of duty.
He explained that the body of the deceased would be released to the family after the completion of a post-mortem examination, adding that the government would provide necessary support to the bereaved family.
“I want to assure you that this is a responsible and responsive government. He was on official duty to assist the government, and we cannot abandon.
“While we gave him the assignment, we are not responsible for what led to his death. However, we will ensure that anyone directly involved is held accountable.
“As a government, we have a duty to ensure that all necessary steps are taken, including a thorough investigation, the burial process, and appropriate assistance to his family.
“Some arrests have already been made by security agencies. The truth will come out, and the facts will be made known. The body is currently in the mortuary, and we will maintain open communication with the family,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s uncle, Chief Ayodele Afolabi, expressed confidence in the state government to ensure justice is served. He appealed to the government not to neglect the family left behind.
“We believe this government will do the needful. I have requested a post-mortem examination so we can determine the exact cause of death and the weapon responsible. We want clarity and justice for Seyi,” he said.
African Virologists Network Greets Profs Venter, Odaibo on Election as President, V’President of World Society for Virology
The Prof. Theophilus Adiku led African Virologists Network (AVN), AVN are celebrating the emergence of two of its prominent Virologists, Prof. Marietjie Venter and Prof. Georgina Odaibo as the President and Vice President respectively of the World Society for Virology (WSV).
According to AVN, the emergence of the duo after the successful electioneering process by Virologists across the world is a testament to the fact that Africa has well trained scientists with rich academic, research profiles and leadership pedigree that can be trusted in changing the current global narratives in the field of Science.
While Prof. Marietjie Venter with a PhD in Medical Virology serves as a Distinguished Professor and Research Chair in Emerging Viral Threats & One Health (EViTOH) in the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) at the University of the Witwatersrand; Prof. Georgina Odaibo with a PhD in Medical Virology is a Professor of Virology and a 3-term Head of Department at the University of Ibadan, currently serving at the WHO Nigeria.
The African Virologists who will lead the entire world in the crucial field of Medical Science are expected to serve from Monday, 1 March, 2026 to Monday, 28 February, 2028.
“AVN wishes the President of the World Society for Virology, Prof. Marietjie Venter and her Vice President for Africa, Prof. Georgina Odaibo the best in their sojourn in taking WSV to the zenith of global relevance at One Health, especially in navigating the ship of the World Virologists to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” a statement signed on behalf of AVN secretariat and publicity by Dr Abdul-Azeez Anjorin (MNYA) said.
