The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the executive branch of government to control sizable public gatherings in an effort to stop such tragedies and guarantee public safety.
This action came after the terrible stampede that killed 35 people, mostly children, during a children’s funfair held at the Islamic High School in Orita-Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024.
The motion with the title: “Need for the executive arm of government to regulate large public gatherings to ensure safety and prevent tragic incidents.”
Hon. A.O. Babalola (Ibadan North-East 1) moved the bill, which was co-sponsored by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Leader of the House S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), A.O. Owolabi (Ibadan North East II), O.A. Omikunle (Ibadan South East II), O.C. Rahman (Oyo East/West), and O.A. Ogunsola (Iwajowa).The House expressed deep sorrow over the incident and praised the state government’s prompt action in helping the victims with their medical needs.
The motion read, “The absence of these measures significantly increases the risk of avoidable incidents, such as stampedes, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.
“The motion noted that similar incidents occurred in other states hence the need for government at all levels to take proactive steps on the matter.”
“On the same day, in Okija, Anambra State, a stampede at a food distribution event resulted in the deaths of twenty-two individuals.
“These incidents highlighted the pervasive risks associated with large public gatherings across the country.”
The House decided that before approving a location for a public event that is anticipated to have 500 or more attendees, the executive branch of government should make sure that it satisfies safety and capacity requirements.
The Oyo Assembly also urged the government’s executive branch to work with the Ministry of Health to create and implement regulations for event planners regarding crowd control, safety precautions, and emergency response readiness.
In order to avoid tragedies in the future, the lawmakers also emphasized the necessity for law enforcement agencies to make sure that organizers of public gatherings follow the proper procedures and obtain permits from the appropriate authorities before holding events involving minors.
The House also requested that its Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion communicate with the appropriate ministries in order to suggest workable solutions for putting the required protocols into place and enhancing public gathering supervision.