There was palpable fear on Wednesday in Osun State after a podium collapsed during a political rally in Ijebu-Jesa, briefly disrupting proceedings and causing panic among attendees, including top government officials.
A video showed the moment the stage caved in while Governor Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were seated on the platform.
At the time of the incident, musical performances were ongoing, and the event anchor was about to announce the next programme item when the structure suddenly gave way.
A source at the event said the incident caused temporary disruption but the programme later continued after security personnel evacuated those on the collapsed platform.
The source explained that the rally was part of the inauguration of Imole canvassers for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and noted that the turnout was significant.
“The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much. The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” the source said.
Reacting to the incident, Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, dismissed concerns over its severity, insisting there were no injuries and that the programme continued smoothly afterward.
“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries. Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued,” he said.
He added that Governor Adeleke proceeded to another engagement in Odo-Otin Local Government after leaving the venue.
Authorities confirmed that despite the dramatic collapse, no casualties were recorded, and normal activities resumed shortly after the incident.
