Adebayo Adenrele
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Barr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, has condemned the stampede which claimed three lives at a popular hotel in Ikere-Ekiti.
Recall that the incident claimed the lives of two students of Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Environmental Sciences, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) and a staff member of the Hotel.
Addressing journalists, Ojo-Lanre, who extended condolences to the bereaved families described the hotel linked to the tragic Ikere incident as illegal, revealing that it failed to meet mandatory regulatory requirements.
He disclosed that the hotel was neither registered with the state’s tourism bureau nor affiliated with any recognized hotel association, in clear violation of existing laws guiding hospitality operations.
According to him, the regulatory framework was designed to enforce standards, ensure proper monitoring and safeguard guests the duty of care owed by hospitality operators.
Ojo-Lanre noted that the matter is already before the court, stressing that authorities would refrain from actions that could interfere with judicial proceedings while also confirming that the court has ordered the closure of the facility.
His words, “Every hotel operating in Ekiti State must register with the Bureau of Tourism Development and belong to a recognized association. This particular hotel did not comply. That means it is operating illegally.
“It is now a criminal matter within the jurisdiction of the court. We must avoid anything that could be sub judice. After the legal process, we will take necessary administrative steps, including profiling the hotel.
“This tragedy is a lesson. Laws are meant to protect lives. Any operator who fails to comply is putting people at risk and will face the consequences”.
