Police in Ondo State have confirmed the death of two students of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, who drowned in a hotel swimming pool in the university town.
The victims were reportedly among newly matriculated students of the institution.
The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred on January 29, 2026, during a swimming pool party organised by a hotel in Akungba-Akoko.
According to the statement, the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, 19, was found unconscious in the swimming pool at about 8:00 pm. He was rescued by the pool manager, administered first aid, and later taken home by his friends after briefly regaining consciousness.
“Shortly afterwards, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, 22, was also discovered unconscious in the pool,” Jimoh said. “He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.”
Jimoh added that in the early hours of January 30, Adegbola Blessing, who was earlier rescued, was reported to have also died.
The police said the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager have been invited for questioning as part of a preliminary investigation, while the case has been transferred to the command’s monitoring unit for further inquiry.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, urged hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of guests by ensuring adequate and functional safety measures are in place to prevent a recurrence.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, assuring that updates would be provided as investigations continue.
