Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the cancellation of his birthday celebration to honour the memory of 35 children who tragically lost their lives in a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde shared this decision on Friday while receiving a delegation from the South-East Peoples Democratic Party led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees.
The governor described the incident as painful, unfortunate, and preventable. “It is a day that is really sobering for me personally. Not only did I cancel the event in Ebonyi, I told everyone that I would stay indoors on my birthday. There is no party; I have sent the message out,” he said.
Makinde added, “It has been a difficult year, really. Early in the year, we had the Bodija explosion. We managed through quite a bit. But we are strengthened by the show of support for us, to let us know that we are not alone in facing all of these.”
The South-East PDP delegation was the first group to visit the governor and offer condolences. Makinde expressed his gratitude to the party leaders for their support.
“So, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we want to appreciate you for coming to commiserate with us and to let us know we are not alone,” Makinde said.
The delegation included notable PDP members, such as former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu, former PDP National Secretary Senator Ben Obi, and former National Woman Leader Iyom Josephine Anenih, among others.
Makinde reiterated his commitment to mourning the victims and using the opportunity to reflect on ways to prevent such tragedies in the future. “There is no celebration this year; it is a time to reflect and honour those who have passed,” he noted.
