Olabisi Onabanjo University
By Shade Damiro
This is pathetic story of how three students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State died in road accident last Friday.
The incident has thrown the entire university community into mourning.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, on Saturday expressed profound sorrow and shock over the tragic death of the students who died in a single-car accident along the Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye road.
The victims were identified as Nifesimi Dada, a 300-Level Geology student; Opeyemi Joshua, a 200-Level Taxation student; and Ogooluwa Miracle Daniel, a 200-Level Mass Communication student.
Two other students who were passengers in the ill-fated vehicle were reportedly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Dr. Wale Balogun from the university’s Corporate Affairs Division, the Vice Chancellor expressed deep sadness over the loss and reassured that the university was working closely with relevant authorities to offer support to the grieving families.
Agboola said, “The university is profoundly saddened by this tragic loss and is collaborating with the appropriate authorities to assist the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.
“We can only imagine the immense pain they must be enduring and want them to know that they are not alone in their grief.”
He continued, “The loss of young lives is always devastating, and it is particularly heartbreaking when it occurs so unexpectedly and under such tragic circumstances.
“The entire university community is still in shock, and we pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed.”
While expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Prof. Agboola prayed for strength for them to endure this irreplaceable loss.
He also reassured the university community and the public that the institution remains committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.
On Saturday, the Ogun State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the news of the accident.
She said that the students were travelling in an Opel Safira vehicle when it lost control and crashed into the bush, killing three of the students and injuring two others.
Odutola’s statement read in part, “A fatal motor accident occurred on December 20, 2024, at about 3:30 PM along the Ilisan/Ago Iwoye road.
“The incident involved a commercial Opel Safira with license plate Lagos AAA-126HE, driven by Adekunkle Adebiyi, who resides at 5 Sunmibare Street, Awa Ijebu.
“The vehicle was traveling at high speed from Ago Iwoye towards Ilisan when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to flip into the bushes.”
She added, “A male passenger, whose identity has not yet been confirmed but is believed to be a student from OOU, died at the scene. His body has been taken to the General Hospital Ijebu Ode mortuary.
“Two female students, Dada Oluwanifesimi, 18, a sophomore in Mass Communication, and Miracle Ogo Oluwa Daniel, 19, a junior, were rushed to Love and Care Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
“Two other students are receiving medical care at the OOU Medical Centre on the Mini Campus. The vehicle has been recovered and is being stored safely at the station.”
