Gbolahan Ojolo, a 100-level student at the University of Ilesa, Osun State, died of electrocution after a lightning strike occurred in his Ilesa residence hall.
It was reported that Ojolo, a student in the Department of Business Administration, was simultaneously charging his phone and playing a game on it on Friday, April 18, 2025, when thunder struck. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Funso Ojo, the university’s registrar, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The Management of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely d3ath of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojolo, a 100 Level student of the Department of Business Administration,” the statement read.
“The unfortunate incident occurred in the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025. Gbolahan was electrocuted while playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute junction. The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.”
According to the Registrar, the management notified the police, and the remains of the dead were carried to the Wesley Guild Hospital’s morgue in Ilesa after obtaining the necessary approval.
“The police have since commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The University of Ilesa has also made necessary arrangements to support the family during this moment of intense grief and will continue to stand by them through this difficult time.
“The entire University community mourns this painful loss and prays for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration.”
