Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has vowed that those responsible for the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors at the Islamic High School, Basorun Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, will face trial. Speaking during the annual interfaith service marking the start of 2025 at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Makinde assured that his administration would ensure justice for the victims while taking measures to prevent future occurrences.

Three suspects, including the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi; Agidigbo FM owner, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the school principal, Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, are currently in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan, awaiting trial. Five others were initially arrested in connection with the incident. Addressing criticism over the prosecution, Makinde emphasized that Oyo State would not tolerate such negligence and would hold all parties accountable regardless of their status.

“Thirty-five innocent lives were lost; this tragedy must never happen again,” Makinde declared. He dismissed comparisons to similar incidents in other states where no prosecutions occurred, asserting, “Oyo State is not Anambra or the FCT; justice must prevail. The judiciary will handle the matter, and if bail is granted, that is within the court’s jurisdiction, but a trial must happen. Even if others disregard the rule of law, Oyo State will stand firm to uphold it.”