A South Carolina man who was recognized as the king of an African village was stabbed on Monday (July 29) later succumbing to the wounds. Police have arrested the suspect but details are still largely being kept under wraps as the village prepares to properly bury the leader.
Oba Adegbolu Abiogemo Adejuyigbe Egunjobi Oyewole Adefunmi II was the king of Oyotunji African Village, located near Sheldon, Beaufort County in South Carolina. Oyotunji was founded in 1970 by Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I.
According to a report from local outlet WJCL, reports of the stabbing Monday came in around 2:45 local time according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s communications team. Adefunmi was taken to a local hospital and died from the stab wounds.
A suspect, Akiba Kasale Meredith, 53, has been identified by the authorities and it now facing murder charges. According to the accounts delivered by BCSO officials, Meredith fled the area on foot but was later apprehended after walking back to the scene of the crime. A motive has not been established.
Source: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office / BCSO
Officials at the Oyotunji African Village site have decided to speak with the press after completing proper burial services for Adefunmi.
Oba Adegbolu Abiogemo Adejuyigbe Egunjobi Oyewole Adefunmi II was 47.
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Photo: Allen Funerals
