The Ogun State Government has shut down Obada Grammar School in Obada, Idi-Emi, following the tragic death of an SS2 student, Monday Arijo. Ariyo reportedly died after being subjected to 162 frog jumps and 24 strokes of the cane as punishment.
This severe punishment stemmed from a lighthearted remark he made about a dustbin brought into the classroom, which escalated into an altercation that led the teacher to seek disciplinary measures from the principal.
According to human rights activist Adetoun, who shared details on Instagram, Ariyo joked that the dustbin was purchased with students’ money. After this comment, the principal allegedly instructed the teacher to impose the punishment.
Acting on this directive, the teacher administered the extreme punishment, resulting in Ariyo collapsing.
Witnesses claimed that there was a delay in taking him to the hospital, and he was later transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, where he was pronounced dead.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident, stating, “The incident happened on October 15, 2024. The deceased was asked to do 162 frog jumps and was given 24 strokes of the cane.”
Odutola added that Ariyo’s body has been sent to Ayetoro mortuary for an autopsy, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.
In response to this incident, the teacher allegedly responsible has been arrested and suspended.
The principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, who had been previously issued a query for allowing corporal punishment in violation of state regulations, has also been suspended.
This information was conveyed in a statement from Mr. Lekan Adeniran, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who noted that the school closure was ordered by the governor and that a panel would be established to investigate the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.
The statement partly read, “The closure of the school was based on the directive of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who has also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident. The governor has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
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Meanwhile, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology visited the family of the deceased student to offer condolences and express sorrow over their loss.
The government’s delegation includes the Director, the Secondary and Higher Education Department in the Ministry, the Principals General, Egba and Yewa Divisions, the Zonal Education Officer, Imeko Afon, representatives of ANCOPPS, Ogun State President, Trade Union Congress and the Ogun State Chairman of ASSUS.
The Principals General, Egba and Yewa Divisions as well as the Director of Education, Secondary and Higher Education, who spoke during the visit, expressed their heartfelt condolences even as they pledged the support of the state government to the family during this challenging time
During the visit, the officials expressed their heartfelt condolences and pledged the state government’s support to the family during this challenging time.
They assured the family that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring student safety and creating a more supportive school environment.
The DPO of Idi-Emi assured the family that the situation would be thoroughly investigated, and justice would be served. He also guaranteed the safety of other students in the school.
Additionally, a condolence letter and a cash gift of N500,000 were presented to the family, who expressed their grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child.
