The government’s determination to prosecuting all suspects in the horrific stampede at Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, which killed at least 35 children, has been reiterated by Governor Seyi Makinde.
When Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi, organized a children’s funfair, there was a rush. Media personality Hamzat Oriyomi and the school’s principal have been placed under detention in jail.
Governor Makinde responded to pleas for leniency on Monday, January 6, during the 2025 Annual Interfaith Service for State Employees, declaring that Oyo State will respect the rule of law. He disclosed that some people have questioned why Oyo State should act differently, claiming that comparable instances in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not result in convictions.
In the past year, we encountered difficulties. For us in Oyo State, 2024 got off to a nearly disastrous start. Here in Bodija, there was an explosion on January 16, 2024. Even my office was impacted. Ibadan as a whole felt the effects.
Toward the close of the year, there was a stampede at Bashorun’s Islamic High School. May Oyo State never again witness the loss of 35 innocent lives.
I have received a lot of messages from people who say, “Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State.” It took place in the FCT as well. No one was incarcerated. Why do certain people in Oyo State end up behind bars? Oyo State is not Anambra State, I remarked, and justice must be served regardless of one’s position.
The legal system is present. They are in charge of it. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with granting bail pending trial. The people, however, must stand trial.
When people approach me, I tell them, “Oyo State, even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, we will follow; we will dare to be different.”
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