The tragic stampede at Ibadan’s Islamic High School, resulting in the loss of over 35 lives, predominantly children, has sparked a debate about culpability. While the event organizers, including Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi and Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, have faced legal action, Nollywood actor Femi Branch argues that the blame should be directed at the parents who resorted to desperate measures to gain entry for their children. The event, initially planned for 5,000 attendees, spiraled into chaos as word of free entry, gifts, and scholarships drew an overwhelming crowd, with many camping overnight outside the school. This desperation, Branch contends, led parents to throw their children over the fence, a reckless act that ultimately contributed to the devastating crush.
Branch’s argument centers on the organizers’ good intentions, highlighting their desire to positively impact the community. He questions the fairness of holding them accountable for the unforeseen consequences of an unexpectedly large turnout. The actor emphasizes that the organizers could not have anticipated such a surge in attendance, triggered by the allure of free offerings and educational opportunities. He believes that their efforts to benefit the community should not be overshadowed by the tragic outcome, and that the focus should shift to the individuals whose actions directly precipitated the disaster.
The core of Branch’s argument rests on the question of responsibility. He challenges the narrative that places the organizers at fault, suggesting that the true culprits are the parents who jeopardized their children’s safety by resorting to extreme measures. He posits that the act of throwing children over the fence, a clear act of desperation and recklessness, created a dangerous situation that directly contributed to the stampede. The organizers, in his view, cannot be held accountable for the unpredictable actions of attendees driven by the desire for free resources.
Furthermore, Branch criticizes the authorities for not holding the parents accountable. He questions the lack of investigation into their actions and urges the police to identify and charge those responsible for throwing their children over the fence. He sees this as a critical step in achieving justice for the victims and deterring such reckless behavior in the future. He contends that focusing on the organizers, while overlooking the parents’ direct contribution to the tragedy, represents a miscarriage of justice.
Branch’s outspoken stance highlights the complex interplay of factors that contributed to the stampede. While the organizers’ initial planning may have underestimated the potential turnout, particularly given the promise of free resources, the immediate cause of the tragedy appears to be the desperate actions of parents seeking advantage for their children. The tragic loss of life underscores the dangers of uncontrolled crowds and the critical importance of responsible event management, but it also raises questions about parental responsibility and the lengths some will go to secure perceived benefits.
Ultimately, Branch’s call for accountability aims to shift the narrative away from blaming the organizers and towards addressing the underlying factors that created the conditions for the stampede. He advocates for a thorough investigation into the actions of the parents, believing that understanding their motivations and holding them responsible is crucial for achieving justice and preventing future tragedies. He believes that focusing on the organizers alone while ignoring the direct contribution of the parents’ actions would be a disservice to the victims and a missed opportunity to learn from this heartbreaking incident.
