Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged that those responsible for the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a funfair at the Islamic High School, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, will face trial.
Speaking at the annual interfaith service marking the start of 2025, held at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such incidents in the future.
Recall that key figures involved in organizing the ill-fated event include Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, Principal of Islamic High School.
They are all currently being remanded at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan.
Makinde addressed criticism over the decision to prosecute the organizers, noting he had received numerous calls urging leniency.
“Thirty-five innocent lives were lost; such a tragedy must never happen again in Oyo State by God’s grace.
“Some people told me this happened in Anambra and FCT, and no one went to jail. But Oyo State is not Anambra, and justice must prevail, regardless of anyone’s status,” Makinde reaffirmed.
He reiterated that the judiciary would handle the matter, stating: “If they think bail can be granted pending trial, that’s within the court’s jurisdiction, but a trial must happen.
“Even if the rest of the country disregards the rule of law, Oyo State will stand firm and uphold it,” Makinde reiterated.
