The Ogun State Government has ordered the closure of Obada Grammar School in Idi-emi, Obada, following the tragic death of Monday Arijo, a Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) student. Arijo reportedly died after being subjected to corporal punishment.
According to reports, the student was flogged 24 times by a teacher and forced to perform 162 frog jumps as punishment for an alleged wrongdoing. During the ordeal, Arijo collapsed and was rushed to several hospitals, but he eventually died, with complications from the punishment suspected to have caused his death.
The incident, which occurred on October 15, came to the public’s attention when a human rights activist, Adetoun Onajobi, posted a video calling out the Ogun State Government over the matter.
In response to the outcry, a statement from the media aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Emmanuel Ojo, announced the immediate suspension of the school principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo. She had previously been issued a query for permitting the use of corporal punishment, which is against state regulations. Additionally, the school has been shut down pending further investigation.
Governor Abiodun also directed that a special panel be set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death, vowing that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology visited the late student’s family to offer condolences and gather first-hand information about the incident for a thorough investigation. The visiting team included senior officials such as the Director of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, the Principals General of Egba and Yewa Divisions, the Zonal Education Officer from Imeko Afon, and leaders from various unions including ANCOPPS, the Trade Union Congress, and ASSUS.
During the visit, the officials expressed their deep condolences and assured the family that the government was committed to a complete and transparent investigation to ensure accountability.
In addition to the condolences, the government extended a cash gift of N500,000 to the bereaved family as part of its support during this difficult time. The state government has promised that all those involved will be held accountable once the investigation is concluded.
