In a move to prevent future tragedies and enhance public safety, the Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the executive arm of government to regulate large public gatherings. This resolution follows the devastating stampede at a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Orita-Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, which claimed 35 lives, mostly children.
The motion, titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Regulate Large Public Gatherings to Ensure Safety and Prevent Tragic Incidents,” was moved by Hon. A.O. Babalola (Ibadan North-East I) and co-sponsored by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), House Leader S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), and several other lawmakers.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Assembly commended the state government’s swift medical response but stressed that preventive measures were urgently needed. The motion highlighted the absence of proper safety regulations at public gatherings as a major risk factor for tragedies like stampedes.
The lawmakers also referenced similar incidents across the country, including a December 21, 2024, stampede at a charity event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, which claimed 10 lives, and another in Okija, Anambra State, where 22 people died during a food distribution event.
To mitigate future occurrences, the Assembly resolved to:
- Urge the executive arm to enforce safety and capacity regulations for venues hosting 500 or more attendees.
- Mandate collaboration with the Ministry of Health to develop crowd management and emergency response guidelines for event organizers.
- Require permits for events involving minors to ensure adequate safety measures.
- Direct law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with safety protocols for public gatherings.
- Assign its Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to work with relevant ministries on implementing these measures.
The House emphasized the need for stringent oversight of public events to protect lives and prevent avoidable disasters.
