Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the cancellation of his birthday celebration for this year over the death of 35 minors at the Ibadan Children Funfair Stampede on Wednesday.
The governor made this known on Friday while receiving leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East geopolitical zone, during a visit to condole with him over the deaths.
According to Makinde, the death of the minors at the stampede was sobering and could have been avoided if due diligence had been done by the organisers.
Governor Makinde pointed out that apart from cancelling a birthday lecture planned in his honour in Ebonyi state, he had decided to cancel his birthday party on 25th of December to honour the departed souls.
“This is not a day for long speeches; it is a day that is really sobering for me personally. Not only did I cancel the event in Ebonyi, I told everyone that I would stay indoors on my birthday. There is no party; I have sent the message out,” he said.
Governor Makinde added, “It has been a difficult year, really. Early in the year, we had the Bodija explosion. We managed through quite a bit. But we are strengthened by the show of support for us, to let us know that we are not alone in facing all of these.
“We flew into Abuja and planned to be on our way to Ebonyi, when the sad event started unfolding on Wednesday. First, we had to secure the place. I sent the security people in there.The most painful part for me was that this incident could have been avoided altogether and the deceased are innocent children.”
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The governor stressed, “By the time I got to Abuja and I got the full report, I said there was no way we could go on to Ebonyi. But I appreciate all the arrangements and commitment that we were able to see, from my able leader and former National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi.
“The love from the South-East is not lost on me and the people of Oyo State. I really want to say thank you for the love. You are the first set of leaders that came physically to commiserate with the Government and the people of Oyo State for that unfortunate incident.
“Yes, some people have called, reached out but in terms of physical presence, you are the first. That will not be lost on the people of Oyo State. So, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we want to appreciate you for coming to commiserate with us and to let us know we are not alone.”
Former Senate President, Dr Adolphus Wabara, while expressing the condolences of the South-East PDP to Governor Makinde, said the governor is much loved in the South-East and the PDP leaders have chosen to visit to commiserate with him and the people of the state.