Hotel Operations Manager Dies Of Heart Attack
• Gbolarunmi, Shittu, Others Call For Investigation • PFN President Visits Site, Condoles Govt, Victims
THE Operations Manager of BON Hotel Nest, Ibadan located a few metres from the scene of the blast, Tunde Solomon, has reportedly died of a heart attack. Solomon was said to have suffered a heart attack during the blast that occurred at Dejo Oyelese Close, Bodija Housing Estate.
No fewer than five persons lost their lives as a result of the incident, while several others suffered injuries.
Property worth millions of naira were destroyed, while hundreds of people have been displaced.
The management of the hotel, in a statement in Ibadan, described the deceased “as selfless and dedicated. ”
It added that the deceased used his 25 years in the industry for the growth of the organisation.
” We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of our beloved Operations Manager, Mr. Tunde Solomon. Solomon suffered a heart attack on January 17, 2024 and it is believed that was a consequence of the explosion which occurred on January 16, 2024 at Bodija.
” Solomon was a vastly experienced member of staff with more than 25 years in the industry. His commitment to his role and his contributions to the growth of BON Hotel Nest, Ibadan and the BON group in general during his tenure were invaluable. ” His loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this challenging period,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in Oyo State, yesterday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and other relevant agencies of government to ensure that details and necessary investigations are carried out on the explosion.
Many insinuations have been raised over the possible cause of the explosion, including the allegation that one Youssouf Sawane, a Malian, was the owner of the explosives. Expressing grief, yesterday, former Minister of Communication, Adebayo
Shittu and erstwhile Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, called on President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, to ensure that proper investigation is carried out over the matter and those found culpable be brought to book. Also, the governorship candidate of Labour Party ( LP) in Oyo 2023 election, Tawfiq Tayo Akinwale and South West leader of New Nigerian People’s Party ( NNPP), Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, also appealed to relevant authorities and Governor Makinde to ensure that necessary steps are taken to unravel anywhere such explosives devices might still be stored across Oyo State and beyond.
Shittu described the explosion as “unfortunate and something that ought not to have happened in the first instance.”