Saheed Akeredolu, a relative of the owner of the building that collapsed in Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, shares with Grace Edema the devastating loss of two of his children and an uncle in the tragic incident.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 49 years old, and I work as a school bus driver for a private institution.
What happened on the day the building collapsed?
It started like a normal day. All three of my children and their mother were at home. My son and youngest daughter were inside the new building. We were staying in a smaller structure within the compound while the main house was being completed.
I asked my son to help with something, but I fell asleep before he came. When he arrived and saw I was asleep, he quietly picked up his phone and called his younger sister to join him in the new building. They went there to spend time together. The rest of us—my wife, other daughter, and I—remained in the small building.
The sound of the collapse woke us. We rushed out and started searching for them. That was it.
Why were they in the building?
They had gone there to pray around 1 p.m. They usually preferred praying at the mosque, but due to a traditional curfew—what we call Igemo—women weren’t allowed outside that day. My son didn’t want to leave his sister behind, so they prayed together in the building.
How old were your children?
Amira, my youngest daughter, was 13, and Abdulmalik, her brother, was 18.
How many children do you have?
I had three. Now I only have one daughter left—she’s 16.
Why did the workers survive while your children didn’t?
The workers, about seven of them, were on the top (second) floor. My children and my uncle were on the first floor—the middle level—where the collapse had the most impact. My uncle, who was supervising the construction, was also trapped there.
How old was your uncle?
He was 78. He was my mother’s younger brother and came from Egbeda to help us with the project.
Do you know what caused the collapse?
Honestly, only God knows. We used solid, certified materials. The building looked very strong. Even people passing by would comment on how solid it appeared. We didn’t cut corners—we even used more iron rods than most would to ensure safety. My wife and I were involved from the beginning.
Was the building officially approved?
Yes, both the state and local governments inspected and approved it at various stages. We have the documents to prove this and can present them if needed.
How far along was the construction?
The workers had just completed external plastering two days prior and were doing internal plastering when the incident happened. They were working floor by floor, starting from the bottom.
Tell us more about your late son.
Abdulmalik was my firstborn and very close to me. He was brilliant—he scored 320 in his UTME and got admitted to the University of Lagos to study Electrical Electronics. Lagos State University also congratulated him on his admission. He was a trained electrician and had big dreams. It breaks my heart that he’s gone.
What about your uncle’s family?
His wife and children live abroad.
How was the building funded?
The land belonged to my late mother—her grave is also on the property. Her younger sibling, who lives abroad, was sending us money for the construction.
Do you have a message for the Lagos State Government?
Yes. Since the government approved every stage of the building, I hope they can now support us. I’ve lost almost everything—only my wife and one daughter remain.
