A Yoruba culture promoter, Bunmi Adetona, has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to immortalise the late Michael Oyedokun by naming a secondary school after him.
Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher, was among those killed when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted pupils and teachers in May.
Adetona made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, amid fresh demands by the deceased’s family for the recovery of his body, which has remained missing since the attack.
He proposed that the school be named after the late teacher in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
“I respectfully appeal to the Oyo State Government and all relevant authorities to honour his memory by naming a secondary school: MICHAEL OYEDOKUN MEMORIAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ORIRE, ESINELE, OYO STATE,” Adetona wrote.
His appeal comes days after all the abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom, while Oyedokun’s remains are still unaccounted for.
The family had earlier urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to recover his body so he could receive a dignified burial.
In a statement shared on Instagram by his niece and family spokesperson, Oluwabukolami, the family appreciated the rescue of the victims but said their grief had not ended because the late teacher’s body had yet to be found.
“We are grateful to the government and security agencies for the safe return of the children and teachers. Every family reunited with their loved one is a reminder that hope still exists.
“But our family remains in mourning,” the statement read.
The family said they had spent 58 days waiting for an opportunity to lay Oyedokun to rest.
“Fifty-eight days after Michael Olugbade Oyedokun was taken from us, we are still waiting… not for a miracle, but for the opportunity to lay him to rest,” they said.
They added that the failure to recover his body has prolonged the pain of his wife, children and relatives, denying them the closure they seek.
The attack took place on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, kidnapping pupils and teachers.
Oyedokun and fellow teacher Esiyan Adegboye lost their lives during the attack. While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried days later in Ogbomoso, Oyedokun’s remains have not been found despite the successful rescue of the remaining captives after 57 days.
