Matriculation celebration turns tragic as two AAUA students drown in hotel pool
Two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have lost their lives in a tragic swimming pool incident following a matriculation party organised for new students in the university town.
The incident occurred at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, during celebrations marking the matriculation ceremony of freshers. The deceased students were identified as Oludere Opeyemi, aged 22, and Adegbola Blessing, aged 19.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the matter was reported to the police on January 29, 2026. According to him, the body of one of the students was first discovered unconscious in the hotel’s swimming pool in the evening.
Jimoh explained that the student was rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid, after which he regained consciousness and was able to stand. He was subsequently taken home by his friends.
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However, shortly after the initial rescue, the second student was found submerged in the same pool.
“He was immediately rescued and rushed to the State Hospital in Ikare-Akoko, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the police spokesperson said.
Jimoh added that operatives from the Akungba Divisional Police Station were swiftly deployed to the scene to commence investigations. As part of preliminary findings, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning.
The situation reportedly took a more tragic turn in the early hours of January 30, 2026, when Adegbola Blessing, who had earlier been revived, was confirmed dead.
The police spokesperson said the case has since been transferred to the command’s monitoring unit for a thorough and discreet investigation. He added that the remains of the deceased students have been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, for preservation and autopsy.
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Jimoh assured that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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