In the wake of the tragic stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 individuals, predominantly children, Nollywood actor Femi Branch has voiced a controversial perspective.
Branch asserts that the parents who allegedly smuggled their children into the event should be held accountable for the disaster, rather than the organizers.
The incident occurred during a funfair at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan.
The event was organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and was intended to accommodate 5,000 attendees.
However, news of free entry, coupled with promises of gifts and scholarships, led to an overwhelming turnout.
Reports indicate that by the eve of the event, hundreds had camped outside the venue, with some parents resorting to throwing their children over the fence in a desperate bid to secure entry.
The ensuing chaos resulted in a fatal stampede, leading to the arrest and arraignment of Prophetess Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School.
They face charges including conspiracy and negligent acts causing harm.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Femi Branch challenged the prevailing narrative that places blame solely on the organizers.
He questioned the rationale behind holding them responsible when, according to him, the tragedy was precipitated by the actions of certain parents.
Branch stated, "According to the report, people slept overnight.
They were throwing their children over the fence.
How is this the fault of the organizers?"
Branch further emphasized that the organizers' intentions were benevolent, aiming to provide for the less privileged.
He lamented that such philanthropic efforts are being overshadowed by the tragic outcome and the subsequent legal actions against them.
"Is it a problem to do good in this country right now because we are dealing with so much, and the people once in a while, from the little they have, also touch people's lives?" he queried.
The actor called on authorities to redirect their focus towards the parents who engaged in reckless behavior, suggesting that they should be identified and prosecuted for endangering their children's lives.
"Why have the police not fished out those parents who threw their children over the fence and also charged them?
Because as far as I am concerned, they are the offenders, not the organizers," Branch asserted.
This viewpoint has sparked a heated debate among the public.
Some individuals support Branch's stance, arguing that personal responsibility should be emphasized, especially when it concerns the safety of children.
Others believe that the organizers should have anticipated the possibility of overcrowding and taken more stringent measures to control the crowd and ensure safety.
In a related development, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, mother of Prophetess Silekunola, has appealed for her daughter's release.
She described her daughter as someone committed to helping the needy and expressed distress over her detention.
Ogunseyi stated, "My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy.
This is not her first time.
It was never our intention."
The incident has also drawn attention from various public figures and organizations.
A cleric defended the organizers, stating that their intentions were purely humanitarian and that the tragic outcome was unforeseen.
He urged the public to consider the challenges involved in organizing large-scale charitable events and the unpredictability of human behavior in such situations.
As investigations continue, the debate over who should be held accountable for the tragedy remains contentious.
The incident underscores the complexities involved in organizing public events, especially those aimed at large gatherings, and highlights the need for comprehensive safety measures and crowd control strategies.
In the meantime, the families of the victims are left to mourn their losses, seeking justice and answers to how a well-intentioned event turned into a catastrophic disaster.
The broader community is called to reflect on the societal issues that contribute to such tragedies, including poverty, desperation, and the breakdown of orderly conduct in public spaces.
The legal proceedings against the organizers are ongoing, with public opinion divided on the appropriate course of action.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between charitable intentions and the practical realities of ensuring public safety.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Ibadan stampede, it is imperative for both organizers of public events and attendees to prioritize safety and adhere to established protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The discourse sparked by Femi Branch's comments may lead to a broader examination of accountability and responsibility in the context of public gatherings, potentially influencing policy and public perception in the long term.
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