…Ondo police probe hotel tragedy

The Ondo State Police Command has launched a full investigation into a tragic drowning incident at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

The incident which claimed the lives of two young men, was said to have followed a swimming pool party organised for newly matriculated students.

The unfortunate incident, according to the police, occurred on January 29, 2026, at Unibercity Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko.

The police said a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from the pool manager of the hotel, identified as Shittu, informing the division of the development.

Police sources said that at about 8:00 p.m. on the day of the event, one of the guests, Adegbola Blessing, a 19-year-old male, was discovered unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool during the party.

He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and given first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand on his own and was later taken home by his friends.

However, the situation took a more tragic turn shortly afterwards when another guest, Oludere Opeyemi, a 22-year-old male, was also found unconscious in the same swimming pool. He was rescued and rushed to the State Hospital in Ikare-Akoko, where medical personnel later confirmed him dead.

Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the hotel on the night of the incident to commence preliminary investigations.

As part of the inquiry, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited by the police for questioning.

In a further development, tragedy struck again in the early hours of January 30, 2026, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also died.

His death prompted the police to escalate the case, transferring it to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for a discreet, thorough and comprehensive investigation.

The remains of both deceased persons have since been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for preservation and autopsy, as investigators work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and establish any possible negligence or culpability.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, expressed concern over the loss of young lives and advised hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their guests.

He stressed the need for adequate and functional safety measures in hospitality facilities, particularly around swimming pool areas.

The police boss emphasised the importance of proper supervision, installation of appropriate safety equipment and restriction of unauthorised access where necessary, in strict compliance with existing state regulations, to prevent avoidable incidents.

CP Lawal assured members of the public that the Command is carrying out a thorough investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the deaths and ensure that justice is served.

He also urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation, noting that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.