Pandemonium broke out in Ohafia, Abia State on Sunday as a stage collapsed during the much-anticipated and reported grand opening of London Villa Hotels, sending shockwaves through the high-profile event.
The incident occurred while popular Nigerian influencer and luxury car enthusiast, Waris Olayinka Akinwande aka Ola of Lagos, was delivering a keynote speech to a large gathering of guests, fans, and dignitaries.
Videos circulating online show the exact moment the structure buckled, throwing people off balance. While the incident caused considerable alarm and momentarily plunged the event into chaos, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported as of the time this report was filed.
According to on-ground reports, the makeshift stage—erected specifically for the grand opening ceremony—was unable to withstand the weight of multiple individuals on it at once.
This has raised fresh concerns about safety standards and event planning oversight, especially for high-profile events drawing large crowds.
The launch of London Villa Hotels had drawn much attention within the region, especially with the presence of social media personalities, hospitality investors, and community leaders. The hotel, located in Ohafia, is being positioned as a new luxury destination in Abia State, aiming to redefine leisure and hospitality experiences in the Southeast.
Despite the disruption, the hotel management expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and assured the public that an internal review will be launched immediately to determine the cause of the structural failure.
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Ola of Lagos, who gained popularity for showcasing exotic cars and luxury lifestyles on social media, has yet to issue a personal statement, though his team confirmed he is safe and uninjured.
The incident has since gone viral across social platforms, with many Nigerians expressing relief at the absence of fatalities, while others called for stricter enforcement of event safety protocols in public ceremonies.