Mr. Israel Ajibola, the father of Heritage, a 200‑level student in the Department of Linguistics and African Languages at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‑Ife, Osun State, speaks to GBENGA OLONINIRAN one year after his daughter’s tragic death. Heritage died on February 9, 2022, after falling into a septic tank in a private hostel on campus. When asked how the family has coped, Mr. Ajibola said they are “just trying to cope by the grace of God.” He described the period as “so tough” and admitted that “it’s not easy,” but emphasized that they are striving to recover.
Regarding his daughter’s decision to rent a room in the private hostel, Mr. Ajibola explained that he paid the rent on January 7 of the previous year after his wife advised him to find better accommodation for their daughter when she entered the 200‑level. The only available option was the BVERS hostel, where each room cost about N100,000 per student, with four occupants sharing four bunks—totaling roughly N400,000 per room. He transferred the money immediately, trusting his wife’s description of the place as “nice and good” and unaware of any hazardous conditions such as a septic tank.
Heritage moved into the hostel on January 23, after a short delay, and the fatal incident occurred on February 9—less than two weeks after she arrived. When the accident happened, the hostel managers arrived the following day to express their condolences. Their accountant was seen weeping, and they claimed regret over the tragedy. However, Mr. Ajibola noted that the hostel had only a plank covering the septic tank, which had been weakened by termites. As a new student, his daughter was unaware of the danger and stepped on the compromised plank.
The hostel management’s response, according to Mr. Ajibola, was limited to offering a small cheque to the family. He declined the money, stating that his priority was to have his daughter’s memory honored rather than receive compensation. Because the managers refused a round‑table discussion, the family took legal action. The university’s management intervened promptly, filing a criminal case in Osogbo and a civil case in Ile‑Ife. The hostel managers reportedly offered N2 million in compensation, but Mr. Ajibola felt this was insufficient given their negligence.
The university’s vice‑chancellor met with Mr. Ajibola, expressing regret and acknowledging that such an incident should never have occurred. The university has a transfer arrangement with the hostel managers, and after 30 years the hostel could revert to institutional ownership. In court, the hostel managers are being charged with negligence; one manager was arrested, later released, and the case remains ongoing. Their lawyer continues to follow the proceedings, and a doctor has provided an autopsy report.
In the civil suit, Mr. Ajibola is seeking N100 million in damages and requests that the hostel be renamed in his daughter’s honor. The next hearing is scheduled for February 21. He believes that a harsh judgment will compel the responsible parties to adopt stricter safety measures, preventing future tragedies. Additionally, he plans to establish a foundation in Heritage’s name, noting that she was his first child, entered university at 15, and was beloved by all. He wants her legacy to endure rather than fade away.
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