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Gov Seyi Makinde has vowed that justice must be carried out following the stampede that claimed the lives of about 35 residents.
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Makinde insisted that irrespective of the social standing of all involved in the stampede, they would be made to face the law.
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He further described 2024 as one of the most challenging years of his administration.
Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that justice must be carried out following the stampede that claimed the lives of about 35 residents of the state.
Governor Makinde said the idea that Anambra State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) governments have ignored the stampedes recorded in their areas would not deter his government’s effort to hold all those responsible to account.
Speaking on Monday, at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for State workers, Makinde insisted that irrespective of the social standing of all involved in the stampede, they would be made to face the law.
The Inter-faith Service was attended by labour leaders, workers, political appointees, and community leaders, members of the judiciary and traditional rulers in the state.
He further described 2024 as one of the most challenging years of his administration. He recalled the explosion that occurred in January 2024, and then the stampede in December 2024.
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“In the outgone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note. On 16th January 2024, we had an explosion here in Bodija. It affected even my office. The impact was felt all around Ibadan. We’re closing it out.
“And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. 35 innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State.
“Quite a number of people have been reaching out to me, saying, Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State. It also occurred in the FCT. Nobody went to jail. Why is it that in Oyo State, some people are going to jail?’ I said, ‘Well, Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done.
“The judiciary is here; it’s in their court. If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial.
“So, people come to me, and I’ve been saying to them, Oyo State, even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, in Oyo State, we will follow; we will dare to be different. We will uphold the rule of law,” he said.
One of the organizers of the Christmas Party, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Oguwunsi, Naomi Silekunola, was charged with murder over the stampede incident.
IBADAN STAMPEDE: Funfair Organisers In Police Custody – Makinde Says
Recall that the organizers of the event have been detained by the police.
According to a statement released by the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, the police have begun investigation, following the detention of the organizers.
