‘They Couldn’t Even Stabilise Him’ — Brother of OSPOLY Graduate Pastor Pikin Alleges Hospital Strike Delayed Emergency Treatment

A young man who aspired to become a journalist, was described as deeply devoted to God and reportedly touched several lives through his generosity, has died following severe burns, with his family alleging that the ongoing hospital strike delayed efforts to secure emergency medical attention for him.

Iyiola Samuel Oluwabamise, popularly known as Pastor Pikin, was a 2025 Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate of the Mass Communication Department, Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree.

In an exclusive WhatsApp chat and telephone interview with The Satellite News, his younger brother, who identified himself only by the nickname Expensive, alleged that the strike significantly affected the family’s efforts to obtain urgent medical attention for Samuel after the incident.

According to Expensive, Samuel was born on January 28, 1998, into the family of Mr and Mrs Iyiola and was an indigene of Iree, Osun State.

He described his late brother as humble, down-to-earth, God-fearing and caring, adding that Samuel had a strong passion for journalism and hoped to build a career in the profession.

How the Incident Happened

Recounting the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death, Expensive explained that Samuel needed petrol to power his generator at his workplace, where he operated a café, due to persistent electricity challenges in Iree.

He said a neighbour, who was also his hostel mate, lent him approximately two bottles of petrol to save him the stress of going to a filling station and subsequently returning to campus.

According to him, Samuel brought the petrol inside, intending to use it when necessary.

However, the exact circumstances that led to the fire remain unclear, as the two people reportedly present in the room at the time have not yet been available for an interview.

Expensive said other hostel residents who heard the commotion quickly intervened and helped rescue the victims before taking them to Ogo-Oluwa Clinic.

Family Alleges Hospital Strike Affected Emergency Treatment

Expensive further disclosed that Samuel was referred from Ogo-Oluwa Clinic to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, but alleged that the ongoing industrial strike meant no doctor was available to attend to him, even for emergency stabilisation.

He said the family subsequently took him to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, where medical personnel commenced treatment.

However, according to his account, Samuel suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest on the second day of his admission following the severity of his burns and eventually died.

Expressing his frustration over the experience, Expensive maintained that the strike had significantly affected efforts to secure timely medical intervention for his brother.

He argued that immediate stabilisation at the first referral hospital could have made a difference.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged refusal or unavailability of emergency treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital could not be independently established from the interview.

‘He Was Always Active for God’s Work’

Beyond the circumstances of his death, Expensive described Samuel as one of the most devoted Christians he had encountered.

According to him, his brother’s commitment to religious activities earned him the nickname Pastor Pikin, which had followed him for many years.

“He is one of the most devoted persons I’ve ever seen. He’s always active for God’s work,” he said.

He added that Samuel’s generosity extended beyond his immediate family, recalling that his brother had helped him in several ways, including assisting other people whenever he could.

For those who knew him, Pastor Pikin was not merely a graduate or aspiring journalist but someone whose religious commitment, kindness and willingness to help others formed an important part of his identity.

His death has added to the grief surrounding the 2025 HND graduating set of OSPOLY’s Mass Communication Department, which has reportedly lost four members within four months.

As friends, former classmates and family members continue to mourn him, questions surrounding emergency medical access during the reported industrial action remain an important part of the account of his final days.

The Satellite News extends its condolences to the Iyiola family, friends and associates of the deceased.