How two AAUA students died in hotel pool after matric party

Two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have died after a swimming pool incident at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, during a party organised for newly matriculated students.

BusinessDay reports that the victims were identified as Oludere Opeyemi (22) and Adegbola Blessing (19).

Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure said the tragedy occurred on the evening of January 29, 2026.

According to him, Blessing was first discovered unconscious in the hotel’s swimming pool at about 8:00 p.m.

However, shortly after, another student, Oludere Opeyemi, was also found unconscious in the pool.

The statement reads; “On the 29th of January, 2026, a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from one Shittu, male, the pool manager of Unibercity Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko, regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred during a swimming pool party organized by the hotel for newly matriculated students.

“According to the report, at about 2000hrs on the same date, one Adegbola Blessing, male, aged 19 years, was discovered unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool. He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was subsequently taken home by his friends.

“Shortly thereafter, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, male, aged 22 years, was also discovered unconscious in the swimming pool. He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

“Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the scene on the night of the incident to commence investigation. Meanwhile, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, female, alongside the pool manager, were invited for questioning as part of preliminary investigation.

“Further developments occurred in the early hours of 30th January, 2026, at about 0700hrs, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also passed on. Consequently, the case was transferred to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation. The remains of the deceased persons have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for preservation and autopsy, as part of the ongoing investigation process.”

The police command, however, advised all hotel owners and operators across the State to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their guests by putting in place adequate and functional safety measures within their facilities, with particular emphasis on swimming pool areas.

The PPRO stressed the importance of installing appropriate safety equipment, ensuring proper supervision, and restricting unauthorized access where necessary, in strict compliance with existing state regulations, in order to prevent avoidable incidents and avert a recurrence of such unfortunate occurrences.

He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.