WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that those responsible for the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, which claimed the lives of 35 children, will face prosecution. Speaking during the annual interfaith service held at the Governor’s Office Secretariat to mark the start of 2025, Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to justice for the victims and the prevention of similar incidents in the future. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, the principal of Basorun High School. These suspects are currently remanded in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre, pending court proceedings later this month. Makinde addressed public criticism and calls for leniency regarding the decision to prosecute the event organizers, stating: “Some have argued that similar incidents in Anambra and the FCT did not lead to anyone going to jail. But Oyo State is not Anambra. Justice must be served, no matter the status of those involved.” Makinde clarified that the judiciary would determine the next steps, adding:
“Thirty-five innocent lives were lost. Such a tragedy must never happen again in Oyo State by God’s grace.
“If the court decides bail can be granted pending trial, so be it, but there must be a trial. Oyo State will continue to uphold the rule of law, even if others do not.”
OYO: Makinde insists ex-Ooni’s wife, Hamzat, others must face trial over Ibadan stampede
