Prophet Daniel Abodunrin is remembered by most Nigerians till date for his miracle mission that later became his doom.
The city of Ibadan in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria is one of the largest in West Africa. It is home to the first university in Nigeria, University of Ibadan, established by the colonial masters in 1948. One of the most famous features of this great citadel of learning is its Zoological Garden, which is one of the oldest in the country.
One fateful day in 1991, visitors stormed the University of Ibadan zoo, as usual, to see the animals and enjoy the serene environment it provides. Of all the animals in the zoo, lions attract the highest number of visitors. It is said that a visit to the UI zoo without seeing the lions is incomplete.
On that day, everybody was at the zoo to have a nice time seeing the animals except a man, a bold and daring prophet named Daniel Abodunrin who was on a different mission. The prophet wanted to show people the “work of God of Daniel” by walking right into the lions’ cage to pet them like Daniel did in the bible without getting mauled.
Prophet Daniel Abodunrin’s intention was to recreate the biblical story of Daniel who out of envy was thrown to lions that have been mysteriously tamed by God. The biblical story has it that God sent down angels to shut the mouths of the lions.
A determined Prophet Daniel Abodunrin walked up to some staff members of the zoo and requested to gain entry into the lions’ cage. No one in his/her right senses will grant such a request, so the prophet was turned down, Whether he sneaked in or not, one thing is certain, the prophet found his way into the cage.
He called unto the “God of Daniel” to perform wonders. He was shouting “Jah, Jah, Jah”, a shortened form of Jehovah.
At first, the lions retreated to a corner of their cage. Unknown to the prophet, Lions are likely to retreat at first when they see something unusual in their territory and later, they get rid of it.
Prophet Daniel Abodunrin thought his faith was really working; that the God of Daniel was Performing wonders. He then moved nearer to the lions as he kept chanting bible verses. Then in a flash, the lions pounced on Him.
He battled for his dear life but his strength was no match for the hefty lions and in a moment, he was torn apart and eaten.
A cold stream of shock ran down the spines of the terrified onlookers.
Prophet Daniel Abodurin was wearing a red cloth with his big bible under his armpit when he entered the cage.
His bloody red robe laid in shreds and his bible which he had flung away at the beginning of the attack was covered in dust.
Stampede ensued in the zoo as people took to their heels after seeing such a horrible sight they will never forget in their lives. The prophet’s remains were collected and later buried. That was how Prophet Daniel Abodurin met his bitter and horrible end.
Many people condemned the prophet for such a bizarre act while others believed the lions were possessed by demons stronger than the prophet and demanded that they should be killed.
