By Kamsi Anayo
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, on Wednesday and other officials fell as their campaign stage collapsed during a political event in Ijebu-Jesa, Ori-Ade Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred during the inauguration of the governor’s re-election canvassers, an event that drew party loyalists, political appointees, security operatives and supporters of the governor.
Adeleke had mounted the stage with members of his entourage, including his sister, Chief Modupe Adeleke, his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, and other senior government and party officials.
They were received on the stage by the spokesperson of the governor’s re-election campaign council, Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, as the crowd cheered.
However, what began as a colourful political gathering soon turned into confusion when the stage, which was said to have been overcrowded, suddenly gave way.
Trouble reportedly started when the governor rose from his seat to acknowledge the cheering crowd. As he waved to supporters, several persons on the stage also stood up and joined in the excitement.
The movement reportedly caused the already crowded platform to shake before it eventually collapsed, throwing the governor, his sister, his Chief of Staff, campaign officials and other dignitaries to the ground.
The development triggered panic among supporters and security operatives, who rushed to rescue the governor and other affected persons from the collapsed structure.
Some party members and officials were said to have sustained injuries in the incident, although the extent of the injuries could not be immediately confirmed.
Security operatives quickly moved in and helped the governor and other dignitaries away from the scene as the ruined stage became unusable.
The collapse disrupted the event and forced organisers to hurriedly bring the programme to an end.
