Mr. Osinowo Olayinka Michael, the senior grandchild of the Ogayemi Osinowo family and custodian of the collapsed two-storey building located along Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, has shared the painful details surrounding the tragic incident that occurred on May 27, 2025, coinciding with the annual Oro Festival in Ikorodu.
In an exclusive interview with Ikorodu News Network (INN), Mr. Olayinka recounted the moment he received the devastating news and rushed to the scene.
Upon arrival, he immediately took ten on-site workers who were injured to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, confirming that while most have stabilized, one of the workers is still receiving treatment for a leg fracture.
However, the tragedy deepened when he discovered that his uncle — who was supervising the building project — was still trapped beneath the rubble, alongside two children belonging to his cousin, Mr. Said Akeredolu — his first son and youngest daughter. All three were later confirmed dead.
“The body of my uncle was recovered at about 6 p.m. on the same day, while the children’s bodies were recovered by 1 a.m.,” Mr. Olayinka narrated with visible emotion.
Despite the sorrow, he expressed surprise and appreciation at the swift response from the Lagos State Government, particularly commending the rescue operations led by LASEMA (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency) and other emergency teams.
“I never knew the government could respond so swiftly and tirelessly. The officials didn’t rest from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.,” he said.
Mr. Olayinka revealed that the building’s engineer, who was a close friend of his late uncle and co-supervisor of the project, is currently unaccounted for, adding that the family is making efforts to locate and hand him over to authorities.
“Only my uncle had his contact. We need to find him,” he emphasized.
Amid their grief, the Osinowo family is now appealing to the Lagos State Government for intervention, noting that while lives have already been lost, losing their property entirely would be another devastating blow.
Mr. Olayinka called for fair treatment and support, considering the emotional and material loss suffered by the family.
He also extended deep appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, who visited the scene and provided comforting words.
“His fatherly advice and caution meant a lot to us,” Olayinka said.
Additionally, he thanked Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, for his personal visit to assess the collapse site and support the ongoing investigation.
INN-HOUSE☆ 