The Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Mr Ezekiel Imole Adeniran, has been confirmed assassinated by the Ondo State Police Command, throwing the academic community into mourning.
Mr Adeniran was found dead in his residence in Ondo City in the early hours of Thursday, July 17, 2025. While the university initially described his death as “sudden,” the police say preliminary investigations point to an assassination.
Police spokesperson, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, told reporters on Friday that the incident, reported at Fanibi Division, was being treated as a murder case.
“I can confirm to you that the man was killed. From the information at my disposal, two men came out of the bush and forced a substance into another person’s mouth.
“I can’t confirm where exactly it happened, but we are working hard to uncover the identities of those responsible,” Ayanlade said.
He called on members of the public with useful information to come forward to assist the investigation.
The shocking death of Mr Adeniran, who only resumed office as the university’s third substantive registrar on January 6, 2025, has left the UNIMED community reeling.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Head of Media and Protocol, Isaac Oluyi, the school confirmed the incident and described it as devastating.
“The devastating news (of the registrar’s death) has thrown the university into mourning, as it was shocking! He was still at his duty post on Monday, 14th July, 2025.
“As at the time of writing this statement, the cause of his death is yet to be ascertained,” part of the statement read.
Similarly, the university’s Head of Human Resources, M.A. Akinkuade, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and praised the late registrar’s dedication.
His words: “The late Registrar was a dedicated and hardworking staff member whose contributions to the growth and progress of the university will be deeply remembered.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all who are affected by this loss. May the Almighty God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss, and may the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
