Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged that suspects linked to the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan the state capital which claimed the lives of at least 35 children will face trial irrespective of their status.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers, Makinde addressed calls for leniency, insisting that the rule of law would be upheld in the state.
The governor disclosed that some individuals had questioned why Oyo State should pursue justice when similar incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory did not lead to prosecutions.
Makinde said, “Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, in Oyo State, the rule of law will prevail.”
He clarified that while he has no objection to the court granting bail to the suspects, the judicial process must take its full course.
Emphasising the importance of accountability, Makinde said it was crucial for ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
The Inter-faith Service, attended by Labour leaders, workers, political appointees, and community leaders, served as a platform for the governor to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to justice and good governance in the state.
“In the outgone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note. On 16th January 2024, we had an explosion here in Bodija. It affected even my office. The impact was felt all around Ibadan. We’re closing it out.
“And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. 35 innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State.
“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 added, “The judiciary is here; it’s in their court. If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial.
“So, people come to me, and I’ve been saying to them, ‘Oyo State, 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 governor also mentioned at the event that the state is facing renewed security challenges from bandits entering the state from northwestern states, assuring that he will not rest until the state is free from all forms of insecurity.
He thanked the Security Commanders and all operatives for their commitment to ensuring a peaceful state.
“The year 2024 has been a challenging year, even in terms of safety and security. We had a few fire incidents, armed robberies, and kidnappings, but what I would say is that we will redouble our efforts in 2025. Some of these issues, we will tackle squarely.
“Even just this morning, during the security briefing, we received updates about a special operation currently underway. Quite a number of the wrongdoers from the major northwestern zone are relocating here. But we will locate them, and we will deal with them.
“Because of the stampede last year, I chose to go to Fashola, just to lay low for my birthday, and I can tell you that within less than perhaps one and a half kilometres from where I was sleeping, there were bandits with camps established there.
“So I would like to take this opportunity to thank our service commanders. You have been doing your part, and you have done very well for us in Oyo State. Nothing meaningful can occur in an atmosphere of insecurity. All the laudable things that we wish to achieve will not be possible if we don’t have a safe and secure environment.
“I want to encourage all of us; we come from different locations, we are from various zones, and our traditional rulers, you are the custodians of the environment within your domain. This is no joke; it’s a serious issue, and for us in Oyo State, they will never gain a foothold here. I will not rest until every inch of Oyo State is free of bandits and wrongdoers.
“But you must also do your part. If you see any suspicious movement, please report it to the authorities, and we will take action. It is in our collective interest,” he added.
The governor also assured that his administration will conclude conversations this week on the review of the remuneration for pensioners following the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments.
He further explained, “I wanted to make an announcement here today regarding the pensioners because we have negotiated the minimum wage and consequential adjustments, but we have yet to finalise that for the pensioners. We will do that this week. I don’t just want to announce a figure; I want us to sit together and agree on it.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, the head of the service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, recounted and commended Governor Makinde for his workers-friendly policies, urging workers to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by his deputy, Abiodun Fadeyi; State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martins; and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi, among others, commended the governor for his gestures towards the workers, particularly in the areas of welfare and promotion, urging him to sustain the momentum.
