Tragedy in Ondo: Two AAUA Students Drown During Matriculation Pool Party

What was supposed to be the proudest day for two newly matriculated students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has ended in an unimaginable nightmare.

The Ondo State Police Command has officially confirmed the deaths of two young undergraduates who drowned during a pool party organized to celebrate their entry into the university. The incident has left the Akungba community in shock and families in deep grief.

According to the State Police Spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the tragedy unfolded on the night of January 29, 2026, at the Unibercity Lounge and Hotel.

The sequence of events is as baffling as it is heartbreaking:

• The First Victim (Adegbola Blessing, 19): Around 8:00 PM, Blessing was found unconscious in the pool. He was pulled out and given first aid by the pool manager. In what felt like a miracle at the time, he regained consciousness, stood up, and was even able to go home with his friends.
• The Second Victim (Oludere Opeyemi, 22): Moments later, the celebration turned to panic again when Opeyemi was also found unconscious in the water. He was rushed to the State Hospital in Ikare-Akoko, but tragically, doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
• The Final Blow: Just when friends thought Blessing was safe, his condition took a turn for the worse. He passed away at approximately 7:00 AM the following morning, January 30.

The authorities aren’t taking this lightly. The hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager, Mr. Shittu, have already been hauled in for questioning.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered the case to be moved to the Command’s monitoring unit for a “discreet and thorough” investigation. The big question remains: Was there adequate supervision, or were safety protocols ignored in the heat of the party?

Reacting to the tragedy, Commissioner Lawal issued a heavy warning to all hotel owners and recreational operators in Ondo State:

“Prioritize the safety and wellbeing of your guests by putting in place adequate and functional safety measures to avert a recurrence of such unfortunate occurrences.”

The remains of the two students are currently at the morgue awaiting autopsy. On campus, the mood is somber. Many students who were partying with the duo just hours before are now struggling to process the loss of their peers.