Shock and grief have enveloped the entire community of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, with the mysterious death of the registrar Mr. Ezekiel Adeniran.
Mr. Adeniran, who assumed office as the third substantive registrar of the state-owned institution on January 6, 2025 was found dead at his residence in Ondo town in the early hours of Thursday.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Omisanya, said the killing was reported at the Fanibi Police Division and that a homicide investigation had commenced.
According to preliminary information, the attack was carried out by two unidentified assailants who emerged from a nearby bush and forced a substance into another victim’s mouth.
“The man died in the early hours of Thursday. We are doing everything possible to unravel the truth surrounding his death,” she said.
“We urge anyone with useful information to come forward.”
Although full details remain unclear, the police have confirmed that Adeniran was a victim of a targeted assassination.
It is not yet known whether his killing is linked to his position at the university or other personal matters.
In a statement issued by UNIMED’s head of media and protocol, Isaac Oluyi, the institution expressed deep shock and sorrow over the registrar’s death.
“The devastating news has thrown the university into mourning. He was still at his duty post on Monday, July 14, 2025. As of now, the cause of his death remains unknown,” the statement read.
Adeniran was praised for his diligence and commitment to the institution.
He had only been in office for six months before the tragedy struck.
“It is with deep sorrow that the university management announces the passing of our esteemed Registrar and colleague, Mr. Ezekiel Imole Adeniran. He was a dedicated and hardworking staff member whose contributions to the growth of the university will be long remembered,” the head of human resources at UNIMED, M.A. Akinkuade, said in a separate condolence message.
Staff, students and stakeholders have continued to express grief, describing Adeniran as an experienced administrator and committed professional whose life was cut short shockingly and violently.
Adeniran’s death adds to growing concerns about security in Ondo State and across Nigeria, especially as targeted killings have become more frequent in recent months.
Police say investigations are ongoing and have promised to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.