By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
What was intended to be a night of celebration for newly matriculated students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), turned into a double tragedy as two students lost their lives in a swimming pool accident.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 29, 2026, during a party hosted at the Unibercity Lounge and Hotel in Akungba-Akoko. The Ondo State Police Command has identified the deceased as 19-year-old Adegbola Blessing and 22-year-old Oludere Opeyemi.
According to DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, the circumstances surrounding the deaths were particularly harrowing. Blessing was initially discovered unconscious in the pool and was reportedly resuscitated by peers. However, after being taken home by friends, he passed away in the early hours of the following morning.
The second victim, Opeyemi, was found unconscious shortly after and rushed to the State Hospital in Ikare-Akoko, where medical staff confirmed him dead on arrival.
In response to the tragedy, law enforcement has detained both the hotel manager and the swimming pool manager for questioning. The bodies of the students have been moved to the morgue for autopsy as investigations continue to determine if negligence played a role in the drownings.
Ladoja commends Sanwo-Olu’s Infrastructure revolution
The Olubadan of Ibadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, paid a high-profile courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, lauding the giant strides”⁹of the current administration in transforming the state’s landscape.
Oba Ladoja, who also serves as the Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs, stated that his visit was primarily to express deep appreciation for the significant support Lagos State provided during his coronation last year.
He noted the profound historical and personal ties he shares with Lagos, describing it as a pillar of support for his throne.
A major highlight of the monarch’s address was his praise for the state’s multi-modal transportation network.
He specifically commended the Blue and Red rail lines and the expanded water transportation systems, noting that these infrastructures have drastically reduced travel times and eased the perennial traffic gridlock in the metropolis.
Beyond infrastructure, the Olubadan used the platform to renew the national call for a defined constitutional role for traditional rulers. He argued that formal recognition would foster better collaboration with government authorities and strengthen grassroots governance. He clarified that while there is no friction between monarchs and the Oyo State government, a constitutional framework remains essential for long-term stability..
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his response, described Ibadan as the symbolic rallying point of the Yoruba race and thanked the monarch for his decades of service to Nigeria.
He praised Oba Ladoja’s visionary leadership and prayed for a reign characterized by peace and transformational development. “Lagos will continue to stand with you and your kingdom,” the Governor assured, reaffirming the strong bond between the two economic and cultural hubs.