Murder at Crowther University: Itsekiri Activist Urges Action from Oyo Governor
According to reports, Timileyi who was studying at Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, was purportedly beaten to death by fellow students in a hostel named Shepherd Inn on the university grounds on accusations of stealing a mobile phone. The assault reportedly lasted from 6pm on Friday until about 10am the following Saturday. In a tweet on Sunday, the Itsekiri activist, tweeting under the handle @Lord_Of_Warri, shared a letter titled "An open letter to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
c.Blessing 
An activist from the Itsekiri community in the Warri Kingdom, Delta State, known as 'Lord Of Warri', has penned an open letter to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, demanding justice for the murder of Alex Timileyi.
According to reports, Timileyi who was studying at Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, was purportedly beaten to death by fellow students in a hostel named Shepherd Inn on the university grounds on accusations of stealing a mobile phone. The assault reportedly lasted from 6pm on Friday until about 10am the following Saturday.
RECOMMENDED: Call for Investigation: EBSU Student's Death Sparks Controversy Over Lecturer's Role
In a tweet on Sunday, the Itsekiri activist, tweeting under the handle @Lord_Of_Warri, shared a letter titled "An open letter to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State: Regarding the tragic murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State." In the letter, the activist revealed that the deceased student, Timileyi, was a first cousin to the Olú of Warri, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III.
Expressing grief and concern over the incident, the activist urged Governor Makinde to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The tweet read, "I am writing to bring to your attention the tragic and brutal murder of a Prince from the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University in Oyo State." . The Prince, Alex Timileyi, was the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III, the Olú of Warri Kingdom.
SEE ALSO: EBSU Tragedy: Lecturer Denies Role in Student's Suicide
"This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.
“While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation. The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal six-hour torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable. No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”
SUGGESTED: Ajayi Crowther University Under Fire For Covering Up Rape Case
The activist stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that no one should be subjected to punishment without a fair trial and due process. He lamented the lack of police intervention and legal proceedings in Timileyi's case, highlighting the devastating impact of his untimely death.
Demanding accountability, the activist called for a thorough investigation by security operatives and urged Governor Makinde to ensure that justice is served. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. “It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same. Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”
