The South East chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has canceled a birthday celebration planned for Oyo State Governor, Chief Abiodun Makinde, following the tragic deaths of over 30 children in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan.
The event, organized under the Ali and Onyinyechi Foundation by the PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, was scheduled to take place at Re-Meritona Hotel, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Announcing the cancellation, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Sam Egwu, explained that the decision was made to honor the deceased and sympathize with their families.
Egwu stated: “My friend, Governor Makinde, had prepared to be here with us today. In fact, he sent an advance team two days ago.
However, given the tragic incident in Ibadan, it is inappropriate for a state in mourning to have its governor celebrating a birthday.
“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 assured attendees that the event would be rescheduled, and a new date would be communicated.
Chief Ali Odefa, the event’s chief organizer, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy in Ibadan and the subsequent cancellation of the celebration. He noted that the occasion was also meant to launch a book about Governor Makinde, whom he described as a friend and leader.
“This incident hit close to home for me, as the location where it occurred is just seven minutes away from my house in Ibadan,” Odefa said. He directed that all posters and billboards for the event be taken down.
Representing Governor Makinde, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu conveyed the governor’s condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Oyo State. He also commended Chief Odefa for choosing Ebonyi State for the celebration and encouraged him to reschedule the event at a later date.
The tragic stampede has cast a shadow over the festive season in Oyo State, prompting mourning and solidarity from across the nation.
