Dr. George Ogunjimi has expressed profound disappointment in Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent statements regarding the unfortunate stampede that occurred during a Christmas event in Ibadan.
He asserts that the Governor’s response is both ironic and lacks the necessary gravity, considering the tragic circumstances and loss of life during the incident.
Dr. Ogunjimi believes that the Governor’s approach, which appears to point fingers at a select few individuals, falls short of a comprehensive and just investigation into the stampede that affected countless families. He argues that this is not merely a matter of seeking scapegoats, but rather a fundamental issue that warrants a thorough inquiry to truly understand the chain of events that led to this tragedy.
“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,” Dr. Ogunjimi 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.”
Dr. Ogunjimi advocates for a transparent investigation that seeks to address not only the immediate causes of the stampede but also the systemic issues that may have contributed to this disaster. He emphasizes the need for accountability at all levels.
“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.
Dr. Ogunjimi calls on the Governor and relevant authorities to prioritize a thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
There are pertinent questions begging for answers.
Were those named and currently detained at venue of the accident?
Did any official of the Islamic school opened any of the gates for anyone that day?
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 the people at that very time?
Who were the parents who risked the lives of their children at those hours?
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.
The governor should allow justice to prevail.
Dr George Ogunjimi
Juris Republic
07/01/2025
