Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cancelled his birthday celebrations to honour the 35 children who tragically lost their lives in a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde made this announcement on Friday while hosting a delegation from the South-East Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Describing the incident as “painful, unfortunate, and preventable,” the governor said he would mark his birthday on 25 December quietly at home, foregoing any festivities.
“It is a day of deep reflection for me. I have cancelled all events, including one in Ebonyi, and will remain indoors on my birthday,” Makinde stated.
The governor also acknowledged the challenges of the year, referencing earlier tragedies such as the Bodija explosion, and expressed gratitude to the PDP delegation for their condolences.
The South-East delegation included notable figures such as former Ebonyi Governor Dr Sam Egwu, former PDP National Secretary Senator Ben Obi, and PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) Chief Ali Odefa.