Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State 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.’”
