PDP Cancels Governor Makinde’s Birthday Celebration After Tragic Ibadan Funfair Stampede
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called off the planned birthday celebration for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, following the tragic loss of 35 children at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital. The event, initially organized by the Ali and Onyinyechi Foundation under the leadership of PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, was set to take place at Re-Meritona Hotel in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The decision to cancel the celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, comes after a deadly stampede occurred at a children’s carnival in Ibadan. According to local authorities, at least 35 minors were confirmed dead, with six others left critically injured during the incident at the Islamic High School in the Basorun area of Ibadan.
PDP Expresses Deep Condolences
Senator Sam Egwu, who chaired the event, shared the party’s sorrow and explained the rationale behind the cancellation. “It is inappropriate for a state in mourning to celebrate a birthday while its people are grieving,” Egwu stated. He emphasized that it would be disrespectful to proceed with the planned celebration when families are mourning such a devastating loss.
Egwu also assured attendees that the event would be rescheduled at a later date, with details to be communicated in due time. “Some families, due to this incident, no longer know the meaning of Christmas. They are grieving, and it would be wrong for us to be rejoicing while they mourn. This is a painful but necessary decision,” Egwu added.
Odefa Reflects on Tragedy and Cancels Event
Chief Ali Odefa, who organized the event, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, noting that the location of the funfair was just seven minutes away from his own home in Ibadan. He also mentioned that the birthday celebration was meant to coincide with the launch of a book about Governor Makinde, a close friend and leader.
Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, who represented Governor Makinde at the event, conveyed the Governor’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Oyo State. “This is a moment of deep sorrow, and we stand with those affected by this tragedy,” he said.
Echiegu also praised Odefa for selecting Ebonyi State as the venue for the event and encouraged him to reschedule the celebration at an appropriate time, once the community had healed from the devastating loss.
