The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that all the suspects in the Christmas funfair stampede that occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, would be prosecuted regardless of their status.
Thefrontrank reports that the funfair stampede claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
Makinde made the commitment on Monday in his address at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor was responding to calls for leniency, stating that the rule of law will be upheld in Oyo State.
He stated that some individuals had argued that similar incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not lead to prosecutions, questioning why Oyo State should proceed differently.
The governor responded: “Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, in Oyo State, the rule of law will prevail.”
Makinde clarified that while he is not opposed to the court granting bail to the suspects, the judicial process must take its course. He stressed that accountability is paramount in ensuring justice for the victims.
He said: “In the out-gone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note. On January 16, 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.’”
The Interfaith Service, attended by labour leaders, workers, political appointees, and community leaders, provided a platform for the governor to reaffirm his commitment to justice and good governance in the state.
