In a bid to prevent future tragic incidents and ensure public safety, the Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the executive arm of government to regulate large public gatherings.
This move followed the tragic stampede occurred at a children’s funfair that occurred at the Islamic High School, Orita-Bashorun, Ibadan on December 18, 2024, which resulted in loss of 35 lives, predominantly 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 1) and co-sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East); Leader of the House, S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South); A.O. Owolabi (Ibadan North East II), O.A. Omikunle (Ibadan South East II), O.C. Rahman (Oyo East/West), and O.A. Ogunsola (Iwajowa).
The House noted the incidence with profound sadness and acknowledged the state government’s swift response in providing medical assistance to victims.
“The absence of these measures significantly increases the risk of avoidable incidents, such as stampedes, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.
“The motion noted that similar incidents occurred in other states hence the need for government at all levels to take proactive steps on the matter,” the motion noted.
It further noted the 21st December 2024 incident where at least ten (10) people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede during a charity event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja. “On the same day, in Okija, Anambra State, a stampede at a food distribution event resulted in the deaths of twenty-two (22) individuals.
“These incidents highlighted the pervasive risks associated with large public gatherings across the country.”
The House resolved to urge the executive arm of government to ensure that proposed venues for public events expected to host 500 people and above meet safety and capacity standards before granting approval.
Oyo Assembly further called on the executive arm of government to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop and enforce guidelines for event organisers on safety measures, crowd management, and emergency response preparedness.
The lawmakers also emphasised the need for organisers of gatherings involving minors to secure permits from relevant authorities before conducting such events, harping on the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure that organisers of public gatherings comply with necessary procedures to prevent future tragedies.
The House also called on its Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to liaise with relevant ministries to propose practical steps for implementing the necessary measures and improving oversight of public gatherings.