Oyo Stampede: Makinde cancels birthday party, book launch in Ebonyi

Due to the stampede that claimed the lives of children at a Christmas party in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has cancelled his birthday party and book presentation in Ebonyi State.

The governor was scheduled to be in Ebonyi on Thursday to attend the occasion organised by the National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Southeast Zone, Chief Ali Odefa, in Abakaliki.

The venue was filled to capacity with dignitaries from across the country who had come to grace the occasion. However, there was a moment of grief in the hall when the tragedy was disclosed to the cheering crowds awaiting the arrival of the Oyo State Governor.

In his emotionally charged speech, Odefa ordered that all billboards bearing Makinde’s image be dismantled as a mark of respect for the departed children.

Odefa, who is also the author of the book written in honour of Makinde, said: “My friend and governor of Oyo State had prepared to come here and be with us today. In fact, he sent an advance team two days ago. The advance team has been here, and the Chief of Staff has been here two days ago.

“But when this incident happened, there’s no way a state can be mourning and crying while we are dancing and rejoicing. Some families, because of this incident, no longer know the meaning of Christmas.

“So, it is painful, it is sad, but that’s the reality. The leaders have met. If you look at this place, you see that this is a gathering of Igbo leaders, non-partisan. We are not talking about party A or party B. These are a collection of Igbo leaders sitting here.”

He also announced that the event would be rescheduled to another time.

The PDP leader further commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State, especially with the families of the departed children, and prayed for the repose of their souls.