The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to introduce regulations for large public gatherings to enhance safety and prevent tragic incidents.
This resolution follows the December 18, 2024, stampede at a private children’s funfair in Ibadan, which led to multiple fatalities, mostly among children.
The motion, titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Regulate Large Public Gatherings to Ensure Safety and Prevent Tragic Incidents,” was sponsored by Abiodun Babalola (PDP-Ibadan North-East 1) and co-sponsored by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin (PDP-Ibarapa East).
While commending the government’s swift intervention in providing medical aid to victims, lawmakers stressed the need for stricter oversight and proactive safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The Assembly emphasized that events attracting large crowds must be properly planned, with assessments of venue capacity, crowd control measures, and emergency preparedness. Lawmakers warned that failure to take these precautions could lead to avoidable disasters.
Citing previous stampedes in Abuja and Anambra, the House underscored the urgency for preventive action at all levels of government.
As part of its resolution, the Assembly mandated that any public event expecting 500 or more attendees must obtain safety approval, ensuring the venue meets capacity and security standards.
Additionally, the House urged the executive arm to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in establishing safety guidelines for event organizers, covering crowd management and emergency response measures.
For events involving minors, lawmakers insisted that organizers must obtain permits from relevant authorities, while security agencies must enforce compliance with safety regulations.
The Assembly further directed its Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to work with key ministries to develop a framework for implementing these safety measures and improving oversight of public gatherings.