Oyo State Governor Asserts Commitment to Justice Over Tragic Incident
At the annual interfaith service marking the beginning of 2025, held at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Makinde, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring justice for the victims of a recent tragedy that claimed 35 innocent lives in the state. He emphasized that such a tragedy must never be allowed to occur again and stressed the need for the law to take its course.
In connection with the incident, eight individuals were initially arrested. Among those remanded in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan, until later this month, are Naomi Ogunwusi, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Basorun High School principal Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde. The court has adjourned the matter to allow further proceedings.
Governor Makinde addressed criticism regarding the prosecution of the organisers, noting that some had urged leniency, pointing to similar incidents in other states where no one was jailed. However, the governor made it clear that Oyo State would not follow the same path. “Oyo State is not Anambra, and justice must prevail, regardless of anyone’s status,” he asserted.
He further emphasized that the judiciary would handle the case impartially. “If they think bail can be granted pending trial, that’s within the court’s jurisdiction, but a trial must happen,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law in the state. “Even if the rest of the country disregards the rule of law, Oyo State will stand firm and uphold it,” Makinde added.
