Lagos Shuts School Over Two-Year-Old Pupil’s Tragic Death

The Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School, located in Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following the death of a two-year-old girl, Rapheala Ogbodo, in a swimming pool accident.
The announcement was made on Saturday through a statement on the Lagos State Government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Education, visited the school to conduct a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement read, “The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.
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“The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.
“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the state government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences.
“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.
“Mojola further stated that further information would be made available upon completion of investigations into the accident.”
Osun Defender reported on Friday that a Nigerian woman, identified simply as Ella, had called for justice following the death of her daughter.
She explained that her daughter left for school on Wednesday but did not return alive.

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.