Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged that all those responsible for the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 minors on December 18, 2024, will face trial.
Speaking during the annual interfaith service to mark the start of 2025 at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.
The governor revealed that eight persons have been arrested in connection with the tragedy. Among them are Naomi Ogunwusi, former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, the principal of Basorun High School. The three are currently remanded at the Agodi Custodial Centre in Ibadan, with their cases adjourned until later this month.
Addressing criticism over the decision to prosecute the organisers of the ill-fated funfair, Makinde said he had received calls from individuals urging leniency. However, he remained resolute in his decision to pursue justice.
“Thirty-five innocent lives were lost; such a tragedy must never happen again in Oyo State by God’s grace,” Makinde stated.
“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,” the governor added.
Makinde assured the public that the judiciary would independently handle the case. “If they think bail can be granted pending trial, that’s within the court’s jurisdiction, but a trial must happen,” he said.
He further emphasized that Oyo State would stand firm in upholding the rule of law. “Even if the rest of the country disregards the rule of law, Oyo State will stand firm and uphold it,” Makinde reiterated.
