The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday urged the Oyo state government to investigate the Ibadan building collapse as the death toll in the early Thursday incident increased to 13.
Oba Olakulehin made the call in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, released to commiserate with the families of the victims.
Describing the incident as “worrisome and unfortunate,” Oba Olakulehin said he was greatly disturbed.
The statement read in part, “The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 is using this medium to sympathise with the victims and families of those who were involved in the building collapse incident in Ibadan on Thursday.
“Based on the available reports, ten people have reportedly lost their lives in the incident. Several others were injured as a result of the unfortunate incident that occurred at Jegede area of Ibadan in Ona Ara local government area.
“This is an unfortunate incident that should be investigated properly. It is a sad occurrence that should be stopped in Ibadan land. The relevant agencies involved in building construction and town planning should carry out their responsibilities to prevent future occurrences.”
Oba Olakulehin charged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), as well as other stakeholders, to provide the necessary relief materials to the victims and their families. The Olubadan also tasked regulatory agencies and professionals involved in building, construction and planning to investigate the matter and put more efforts in place to prevent future occurrences.
“I am appealing to the experts in building construction and planning to ensure that relevant materials are used and all protocols are followed before, during and after construction of buildings in Ibadan land to prevent this kind of incident.”