Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured the public that those responsible for the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School in Ibadan will face legal proceedings.
The governor made this commitment during the annual interfaith service held at the Governor’s Office Secretariat to usher in the year 2025.
According to Drivetvnews reports, the individuals involved include Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. They are currently being detained at the Agodi Custodial Centre.
Addressing concerns raised by some members of the public, Makinde stressed that justice must take its course, regardless of external influences or the status of those involved.
“Thirty-five innocent children lost their lives in this unfortunate incident, and by God’s grace, such a tragedy will never happen again in Oyo State,” he said.
He continued, “Some people have reached out to question why individuals involved in similar cases in other states, like Anambra and the FCT, were not held accountable. Let me be clear: Oyo State will not follow such examples. Here, the rule of law will prevail, no matter who is involved.
“The judiciary will handle this matter, and while I have no objection if the court grants bail during the trial, the trial itself must proceed.
“Oyo State will set an example by upholding justice, even if other parts of the country fail to do so,” Makinde concluded.
