By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Wale Ojo-Lanre, has provided fresh insight into the tragic Ikere stampede that led to the death of three young persons, describing the development as “sad and unfortunate.”
The DG commiserated with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as painful and avoidable, while stressing that no hospitality or entertainment activity should result in loss of lives.
He confirmed that the premises of the hotel have been sealed by a court order, adding that the Bureau respects the decision of the judiciary and the ongoing legal processes being handled by relevant prosecuting authorities.
Ojo-Lanre, however, clarified that beyond the criminal investigation, the Bureau’s records show that the hotel was not registered with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and was operating in violation of the Ekiti State Tourism and Hospitality Licensing and Regulating Law, No. 6 of 2020.
According to him, the law makes registration compulsory for all hospitality establishments, warning that no hotel, guest house, or similar facility is permitted to operate without a valid certificate of registration issued by the state.
He further noted that the law mandates operators to meet basic safety requirements, including adequate security, potable water, fire safety equipment, and uninterrupted utilities, while also empowering the Bureau to carry out routine inspections of such facilities.
The DG warned that the incident has exposed the dangers of illegal and unregulated hospitality operations in the state, stressing that enforcement will now be intensified across all tourism and hospitality establishments.
He stated that any facility found operating without registration or in breach of regulatory standards will face sanctions as prescribed by law, including fines and possible prosecution.
“The law is clear, registration is not optional, and compliance is not negotiable. This is a serious wake-up call for all operators,” he said.
The Bureau also called on all hotel owners and hospitality operators in Ekiti State to immediately regularize their operations and comply fully with existing tourism laws, noting that it will continue to collaborate with security and regulatory agencies to enforce standards and ensure public safety.
Ojo-Lanre reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to building a safe, lawful, and well-regulated tourism sector in Ekiti State.