The Islamic High School Old Students Association has called for the release of the school’s principal, Abdullah Fasasi, on administrative bail following his detention over the recent Ibadan funfair tragedy.
The National President of the association, Bayo Busari, made this demand while addressing journalists in Ibadan on Saturday.
The tragic incident, which occurred during a funfair at the school’s premises, claimed 35 lives. The police detained Mr. Fasasi and others on Wednesday as part of their investigation into the event.
Mr. Busari commended the police for their swift response and efforts to investigate the matter but expressed concern about the false narrative suggesting that the principal approved the use of the school premises for the programme.
“The Oyo State Ministry of Education approved the use of the school facility for Agidigbo FM’s programme as far back as 2023,” Mr. Busari clarified. “The principal only advised the organisers to follow due process by contacting the ministry and making the necessary payment, which they did. As a result, the principal had no grounds to deny the organisers access to the premises.”
Mr. Busari criticized a director from the ministry of education for publicly denying the ministry’s involvement, which he said unfairly shifted blame onto the principal.
“Our principal neither organized the programme nor granted approval for the use of the school. It is surprising that he is being held accountable,” he said.
The association assured the police of their cooperation with the investigation and offered to stand as surety for Mr. Fasasi’s release.
“Our demand is simple: the principal should be released on administrative bail. We are fully prepared to vouch for him,” Mr. Busari stated.
The association reiterated its commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the stampede while ensuring that innocent parties are not wrongfully implicated.