Ondo Governor’s aide, Mr Abayomi Samson Adefolalu, turned an ordinary trip home into a lifesaving mission on Saturday after he came across students abandoned on the roadside following a ghastly accident along the Ilawe–Ado Ekiti Road.
Adefolalu, who serves as Special Assistant on Photography to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was returning to Akure from Ilawe-Ekiti when he encountered the crash victims lying helplessly by the highway.
The accident involved an 18-seater bus with registration number Lagos AAA-260-YL, carrying 16 students from Ajayi Crowther University, McPherson University, Kola Daisi University, Elizade University, and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
The group was returning from the five-day 2025 LAWSAN Southwest Zonal Convention held in Ado-Ekiti.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the driver lost control while swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle, causing the bus to somersault and leave many of the passengers badly injured.
With no motorist stopping to help, the stranded students’ cries caught the attention of Adefolalu, who immediately rushed to their aid.
He conveyed the injured students and driver to Tayo Medical Hospital in Ilawe-Ekiti for urgent first aid and later facilitated their referral to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital for comprehensive treatment.
Miss Boluwatife Onaara Shokunbi, President of the Ajayi Crowther University Law Students Society, described Adefolalu’s intervention as the difference between life and death.
“We waved at several vehicles, but none stopped. It was Mr Adefolalu who came to our rescue. He ensured we were stabilised at the hospital. His action prevented further tragedy,” she said.
Also reacting, Mrs Iyanu Olumuwagun, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Branch, expressed gratitude that help arrived on time.
She lauded the governor’s aide for displaying rare courage and compassion where others failed, stressing that his swift action ensured no life was lost.
