‘No Life Is Bigger Than The Other’, Gov Makinde Reacts To Ibadan Funfair Stampede Tragedy
Insists justice will be done
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has expressed his commitment to ensuring justice in the tragic death of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan on December 11, 2024. He emphasized that no life is more valuable than another, regardless of the personal connections of the event’s organizers to him.
In a viral video on social media, Governor Makinde responded to claims that the event’s organizers, who are reportedly close to him, might escape justice. He insisted that justice must be served, stating, “No life is greater or important than another.”
The stampede occurred at the Islamic High School venue in Bashorun, Ibadan, during a Christmas charity event organized by Evang. Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and popular broadcaster-philanthropist, Oriyomi Hamzat. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 35 children, many of whom were seen as promising young individuals with bright futures.
Governor Makinde addressed concerns that he would show leniency toward the organizers, highlighting his firm stance on fairness. He said, “Quite unfortunate, some innocent lives were lost, some of them future investors; future presidents or governors may be among them. And I listened to people saying Governor knows Oriyomi (Hamzat) and nothing will happen to them. I said to myself they probably don’t know who their governor is.”
He further emphasized the principle of equality before justice, recounting a previous situation where a life insurance policy tried to distinguish between his own life and that of his driver. He rejected such discrimination, asserting, “When it comes to life and even before God, we’re equal.”
Makinde vowed that anyone found guilty of negligence or misconduct would face the full consequences of the law. He assured that while justice would be tempered with mercy where appropriate, no innocent individual would be wrongfully condemned under his leadership.
The governor also addressed the introduction of a Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Oyo Town, reaffirming his commitment to uphold the constitution of Nigeria and protect the law.
