Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has made it clear that those involved in the deadly stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children, must face judicial proceedings.
The tragic incident occurred during a charity event organized in the state, sparking widespread outrage. Despite this, the governor emphasized that he was not opposed to the possibility of suspects being granted bail but insisted that the trial must proceed.
Governor Makinde addressed the matter during the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers, responding to arguments that similar incidents in Abuja and Anambra did not result in prosecutions. He firmly stated that the situation in Oyo State would be different.
He said, “While some have pointed out that similar incidents in other states did not lead to legal action, I want to make it clear that the rule of law will be upheld in Oyo State. Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, justice will be done here.”
The governor reflected on the challenges faced by the state, mentioning the tragic explosion in Bodija on January 16, 2024, which impacted his office and affected the Ibadan community. He then addressed the stampede, noting that 35 innocent lives were lost. He expressed hope that such a tragedy would never occur again in Oyo State.
Makinde responded to calls for leniency, asserting that justice would prevail regardless of the status of the individuals involved. “Oyo State is not Anambra State. Justice must be served here, no matter how highly placed the individuals are,” he declared.
The governor further emphasized, “If bail is granted pending trial, I have no issue with that. But the trial must take place. Oyo State will dare to be different. We will uphold the rule of law.”
It should be noted that Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and Naomi Silekunola, the estranged queen of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, have both been remanded in custody for their involvement in the stampede that resulted in widespread outrage across the country.
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Source: Chronicles Reporters