Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims of the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a charity programme.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers, the governor stated unequivocally that all those involved, regardless of their status, must face trial.
Makinde addressed calls for leniency and comparisons with similar incidents in other states, declaring, “Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, in Oyo State, the rule of law will prevail.”
The governor noted that while some have pointed out that similar tragedies in Abuja and Anambra did not lead to prosecutions, Oyo State would set a different precedent.
“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.’”
Makinde acknowledged the challenges faced by the state in 2024, including an explosion in Bodija in January that affected even his office. Reflecting on the stampede, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and prayed for such a tragedy never to occur again.
Regarding the judicial process, Makinde clarified his stance on bail but emphasized the importance of a fair trial: “The judiciary is here; it’s in their court. If you think you can grant [a] bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial. 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 tragic incident has drawn national attention, particularly due to the involvement of high-profile individuals such as Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Naomi Silekunola, the estranged queen of the Ooni of Ife. Both have been remanded in custody over their alleged roles in the stampede.
