Ademola Adeola is calling for a thorough investigation by the Ondo State Government into the heartbreaking deaths of his mother, Mrs. Esther Adeola, and her four grandchildren, which he believes were caused by food poisoning from consuming pap, a local cornmeal dish, in Akure, the state capital.
According to reports from The PUNCH, the incident occurred on Gaga Street, Oke Aro, Akure, and has plunged the family into mourning. Mrs. Adeola and her grandchildren—aged nine, eight, six, and three—died between Saturday and Sunday in what the family suspects was a poisoning case.
The tragedy began when Mrs. Adeola fell ill shortly after eating the pap, and her grandchildren soon followed, suffering severe vomiting and abdominal pain. They all passed away the next day.
Describing the harrowing experience on Tuesday, Ademola recounted how his children became gravely ill shortly after their Saturday morning meal. In a desperate attempt to save them, he rushed them to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure, but sadly, none of the children survived.
“They started vomiting and complaining of stomach pain after eating the pap. I took them to the General Hospital at UNIMED. One of the doctors questioned how I knew it was food poisoning and suggested I give them palm oil to drink,” Ademola said.
His distress was further deepened by what he described as inadequate medical care. He expressed frustration at the uncertainty displayed by the medical staff, claiming he overheard a doctor say, “I don’t know what to give them, I don’t know what to do, I’m tired.” Ademola believes that the subsequent treatment given to his children may have contributed to their deaths.
Following the burial of the five victims, the grieving family is now seeking answers and urging authorities to investigate the true cause of the deaths and ensure accountability.
In response to the allegations, Dr. Banji Ajaka, the state’s Commissioner for Health, denied any negligence on the part of the hospital. He stated that the medical team, including several consultants, worked diligently to save the children, refuting claims that the facility lacked the necessary resources.
“I was personally at the hospital with them. There were four consultants and other doctors working tirelessly, but unfortunately, they did not survive. It is false to say the hospital lacked the facilities to manage such cases,” Dr. Ajaka said.
While the incident was not formally reported to the police, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that officers from the B Division visited the family’s home to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Command spokesperson Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami assured that they are actively looking into the matter.
The family now awaits justice and closure as they hope for a thorough investigation into these tragic deaths.
