By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the cancellation of his upcoming birthday celebration in memory of the 35 children who tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, the state capital.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday while receiving a delegation from the South-East wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Government House in Ibadan.
Describing the incident as “painful, unfortunate, and preventable,” Makinde stated that his December 25th birthday would be a quiet, reflective day spent indoors.
“It is a day that is really sobering for me personally,” the governor said. “Not only did I cancel the event I was supposed to attend in Ebonyi, but I have also informed everyone that there will be no celebration. I will stay indoors on my birthday. There is no party; the message has been sent out.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the state this year, Makinde added, “It has been a difficult year. Early in the year, we had the Bodija explosion, and now this. We have managed through quite a bit. But we are strengthened by the outpouring of support that shows we are not alone in facing these challenges.”
Makinde expressed his gratitude to Senator Wabara and the delegation for their visit, noting that they were the first to offer condolences over the tragic incident.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we appreciate you for coming to commiserate with us and for showing that we are not alone,” the governor said.
The PDP South-East delegation included prominent party leaders such as former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu, former PDP National Secretary Senator Ben Obi, former PDP National Woman Leader Iyom Josephine Anenih, PDP National Secretary Chief SKE Udeokoye, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) Chief Ali Odefa, Chief Obasi Elebi, and Ebonyi State PDP Chairman Chief Onyema Nwele.
The tragic stampede has left a somber tone across the state, with many commending Governor Makinde’s decision to honour the memory of the deceased children.
