The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canceled a grand birthday celebration planned for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde,
This follows the tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of many children during a Christmas carnival on Wednesday.
The event, organized by the embattled National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, had gathered prominent leaders from the region and beyond at the Re-Meritona Hotel in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Among the attendees were notable figures such as former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former Presidential Adviser Professor Ben Obi, former Minister of Women Affairs Josephine Anenih, former PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh, and former Anambra governorship candidate Valentine Ozigbo.
The planned birthday lecture, to be delivered by Professor Obi, was abruptly canceled when former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu, took the microphone to announce the decision.
Egwu described the incident as tragic and explained that the celebration could not continue while the nation mourned the loss of young lives.
“You must have all heard about the tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas carnival in Oyo State, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 children.
“It is a heartbreaking situation, and there is no way we can hold this celebration when the celebrant and the nation are grieving,” Egwu said, offering prayers for the families of the victims, Oyo State, and the entire country.
Chief Ali Odefa confirmed that Governor Makinde had planned to attend the celebration and even sent an advance team to Ebonyi State before the tragedy struck.
“They cannot be crying while we are dancing and rejoicing. This is painful and deeply sad, but it is the reality,” Odefa remarked, explaining that the event would be postponed to a later date.
He emphasized that the gathering was non-partisan, highlighting the presence of Igbo leaders from various spheres rather than political divides.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, also expressed shock over the incident and extended condolences to the grieving families.
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