By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that those responsible for the tragic stampede that killed 35 minors at a funfair held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, will be brought to justice.
Speaking during the annual interfaith service marking the start of 2025 at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and vowed to implement measures to prevent future occurrences of such disasters.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Among them are prominent figures, including former Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen Naomi Ogunwusi, Agidigbo FM owner Oriyomi Hamzat, and Basorun High School Principal Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde. The trio remains in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre in Ibadan, with their case adjourned for further hearing later this month.
No Leniency, Justice Must Prevail
Addressing criticism regarding the decision to prosecute the funfair organisers, Governor Makinde dismissed calls for leniency, citing the scale of the tragedy.
“Thirty-five innocent lives were lost. Such a tragedy must never happen again in Oyo State, by God’s grace,” Makinde stated.
He responded to comparisons with similar incidents in other states, where no one faced prosecution, by asserting that Oyo State would set a standard for accountability.
“Oyo State is not Anambra or the FCT. Justice must prevail, regardless of anyone’s status or influence,” he said.
Upholding the Rule of Law
Makinde emphasized that the judiciary would independently handle the matter and that due process would be followed.
“If the courts decide to grant bail pending trial, that is their jurisdiction. However, there must be a trial. Even if other states disregard the rule of law, Oyo State will uphold it,” he declared.
The governor’s remarks underline his administration’s resolve to ensure justice for the victims and reinforce public confidence in the state’s judicial processes.
