A magistrate of the Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, Banji Ayeomoni, alongside his son reportedly lost their lives in an tanker fire accident that happened along the Benin-Auchi Expressway in the Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria learnt that the incident also claimed the lives of his son, Dara, driver and another relation.
An official of the court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the late Ayeomoni went to visit his children at Ekpoma, adding that while returning, his vehicle ran into the spillage which caused fire and affected some other vehicles.
The official added that Ayeomoni, his son, who was a 500-level student of Medicine at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, driver and his wife’s sister’s young son died at an undisclosed hospital shortly after the accident.
“We learnt that the late magistrate was returning from a visit to his children at AAU when the incident occurred. It was indeed a sad news to all members of staff and lawyers in our court,’’ the official said.
Also, Inspector Zedekiah Orogbemi, the court’s prosecutor, who also confirmed the incident said that he was shocked when he heard the news.
Orogbemi, who described the late magistrate as a “thorough bred lawyer and a good man’’ prayed for the repose of his soul
He stated:
“I was shocked when the news broke and up till now, I still cannot believe that Ayeomoni is dead. I also condole with his family and pray that God should give them the fortitude to bear the loss.’’
The 59-year-old magistrate, who was due for retirement next year, left behind his wife and two other children.
