5 Major Events That Shaped Oyo State in 2024 By Femi Ajiboye

Oyo State experienced several significant events in 2024 that had a profound impact on its political, social, and spiritual landscapes. From tragic explosions to political arrests, the year has witnessed events that will shape the state’s future. Below are five key events that marked Oyo State in 2024.

1. Devastating Dynamite Explosion in Ibadan
On January 16, 2024, Ibadan, the state capital, was rocked by a massive dynamite explosion in the Bodija area that claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left dozens of others injured.

The explosion, which caused several buildings to collapse, was so intense that the shockwaves could be felt across multiple parts of the city, triggering panic among residents. Investigations revealed that the blast was linked to illegal miners who had been storing explosives in one of the houses in Bodija.

Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the tragic deaths and reported that 77 people had been treated for injuries, with most already discharged. The incident sparked public debates on the dangers posed by illegal mining activities in residential areas, highlighting the lack of regulation in the industry. The aftermath saw the state government provide temporary housing for displaced residents and promised continued search-and-rescue operations. This tragic event served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated mining and the pressing need for stronger safety measures and enforcement in Oyo State.

2. Arrest of Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary)

Another major event that captured public attention was the arrest of Mukaila Lamidi, commonly known as Auxiliary, on May 7, 2024. Auxiliary, a former chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System, was taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his residence in the Olodo area of Ibadan. His arrest followed an interview he gave on May 4, where he publicly accused Seye Famojuro, a close associate of Governor Seyi Makinde, of orchestrating his political downfall.

In the interview, Auxiliary criticized Famojuro, claiming that the Park Management System, under the influence of the governor’s ally, was being mismanaged and was hurting his political career. The arrest of such a prominent political figure shocked many in Oyo State and reignited discussions on political thuggery, corruption, and the often murky power struggles that dominate the state’s political scene. The event raised questions about the role of political influence and control over local systems and the growing tensions between political factions within the state.

3. The Death of Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello
On December 6, 2024, Oyo State mourned the death of Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, a respected Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, at the age of 84. Born in 1940 in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello was known for his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings and his influence in the Muslim community in the state. His death, following closely on the heels of the passing of another prominent Islamic figure, Sheikh Bello, left a significant void in the spiritual leadership of Oyo State.

Alhaji Bello was widely regarded for his contributions to Islamic education and the promotion of peace and unity among Muslims in Oyo State. He was also the father of the popular Islamic singer, Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju, known as Aponle Anabi. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes on social media and from various religious organizations across the state. The loss of such an influential figure not only impacted the Muslim community but also left the entire state reflecting on the loss of spiritual and intellectual guidance.

4. Fatal Stampede at Religious Gathering in Ibadan
One of the most tragic events of 2024 occurred on December 18, when a stampede at a religious gathering in Ibadan resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people, most of them young individuals.

The event, organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, attracted approximately 5,000 attendees. The gathering, which was held at an Islamic high school, was intended to offer scholarships and prizes to participants, but poor crowd management led to chaos when attendees rushed to claim the gifts.

The stampede occurred in the midst of the excitement, and many were caught in the crush of people, leading to a horrific loss of life. Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Security forces were deployed to restore order and evacuate the attendees from the scene. The primary organizers of the event were taken into custody for their role in the disaster. This tragic incident highlighted the importance of proper crowd control and safety measures at public gatherings, especially those involving large crowds. The stampede raised critical questions about the responsibilities of event organizers and the need for better enforcement of safety protocols at such events.

5. The Feud Between the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso
In May 2024, tensions escalated between the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Teliat Ayilara. The feud began when the Chief Imam traveled for the Hajj pilgrimage without obtaining the monarch’s prior approval, an action that was perceived as a violation of royal protocol. The palace took issue with the chief imam’s actions, accusing him of insubordination. This sparked a series of allegations and counterclaims, with the chief imam’s supporters arguing that he was unjustly targeted.

As the crisis unfolded, the Muslim community in Oyo State urged Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and mediate the growing tensions. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Shonubi, facilitated a peace meeting in an attempt to resolve the conflict. However, the dispute between the two influential leaders continued to escalate, leading to legal proceedings. The matter remains in court, with both parties awaiting a legal resolution. The feud has had a significant impact on the Ogbomoso community, and many hope for an amicable settlement to prevent further division.

The events of 2024 have underscored Oyo State’s ongoing challenges in managing political stability, safety, and community relations. From the deadly dynamite explosion to the political turmoil and tragic losses in the Islamic community, the year has been marked by incidents that continue to shape public discourse. As the state enters the new year, the lessons learned from these events will play a crucial role in determining its future trajectory, as Oyo State seeks to address its governance, security, and social harmony challenges.