Gov Seyi Makinde is equally culpable in the Ibadan children stampede Saga – ‘Bamofin George Ogunjimi
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Engr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
Dr. George Ogunjimi, the Bamofin of Ojoo kingdom, in Lagos state, has expressed profound disappointment in Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent statements regarding the unfortunate stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan.
He asserted that the Governor’s response was both ironic and lacked the necessary gravity, considering the tragic circumstances and loss of life during the incident.
Dr Ogunjimi expressed the belief that the Governor’s approach, which appeared to be pointing fingers at a select few individuals, fell short of a comprehensive and just investigation into the stampede that affected countless families.
He argued that the matter was far beyond merely seeking scapegoats rather, it was a fundamental issue that deserved a thorough inquiry to truly understand the chain of events and possibly unearth other undercurrents that led to this tragedy
Ogunjimi thus charged, “Governor Makinde’s statements seem detached from the reality of the tragic event. His government should have launched a formal investigation, possibly involving a coroner’s inquest, to uncover the facts and hold those truly responsible accountable,” he said.
Ogunjimi, an erudite legal luminary stated, “Instead of attributing blame to a handful of individuals, we must delve into the underlying causes of this calamity, including crowd management, safety protocols, and event planning.”
He advocated for a transparent investigation that should address the stampede’s immediate causes and the systemic issues that might have contributed to this disaster. He emphasized the need for accountability at all levels, especially in a democratic dispensation as obtained in Nigeria
Ogunjimi who exhibited a very strong emotional feeling on the untimely death of our leaders of tomorrow charged all concern on the matter thus, “It is essential that we do not allow this tragedy to fade away without a proper examination of the circumstances surrounding it. The safety of our children and our citizens must always be a priority,” he added.
He called on the Governor and relevant authorities to prioritize a thorough and unbiased investigation, to ensure justice is served, and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He enumerated what he called, “many pertinent questions begging for answers. Were those named and currently detained at the venue of the accident? Did any official of the Islamic school open any of the gates for anyone that day?”
He continued with his barrage of questions as if cross-examining the reporter in the dock thus, why were the people or parents gathered at such unholy hours at the gate or gates of the school?. Where were the security forces of the school, and why did they not move fast to curb the influx of people at that very time? Who were the parents who risked the lives of their children at those hours?”
And, the big salvo fired by Ogunjimi wasn’t a question but a declaration that “the governor remains the chief security officer of the state and he remains legally culpable for the deaths too, and he and others must be investigated independently in the matter”.
Dr Ogunjimi thus implored, “The governor should allow justice to prevail”.
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