The Agege stadium rented to Chrisland School lacked emergency facilities because “it wasn’t required”.
This is according to the prosecution witness in the trial of the staff of Chrisland School, Mr Jubril Yakubu, before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos High Court during cross-examination by the school counsel.
The state accused the school and staff of negligence following Whitney Adeniran’s death during an inter-house sports competition held at the Agege Stadium, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government has filed criminal charges against Chrisland School Limited. Opebi and its principal, vice principal and two others for the death of Whitney on March 31, 2023.
At the resumed hearing, however, the third prosecution witness, a Deputy Director with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, informed the court that the state government owns sports facilities in Lagos State when cross-examined by the third defendant’s lawyer.
Yakubu was asked whether the Sports Commission ensured that there were proper medical facilities available for emergency treatment at the stadium as part of its work. He responded, “No.”
The Official Gazette of Lagos State No. 9 volume 50, which was admitted as evidence, was asked to be read earlier during his cross-examination.
He said the commission was created by the law of Lagos State, and added that law No. 4 states the function of the commission, which it shall be to establish and maintain clean fields and premises for holding sports competitions, matches etc. in which the district has a social worker service in charge.
He said that District Six covers: Oshodi, Ikeja, Opebi Allen, Agege, Isolo, Abule Egba and the boundary of Ogun State. I don’t know all the social workers in District Six.”
He also told the court that he did not know if it was normal for people to pay for the use of sports facilities.
Yakubu admitted knowing Agege Stadium as part of the recreational centre owned by the state.
He was therefore asked to read Order Four of the Executive Order, 2016 which he admitted that it applies to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Sport and not every other officer in Lagos State’s public sector.
Yakubu had in his testimony told the court that he had an official meeting held in 2023 with the staff of Chrisland School, and added that there were minutes and video recordings of what happened in that meeting.
“I don’t have the minutes of the meeting because I am not the admin secretary.”
After listening to his evidence, with the agreement of counsel to all parties, Justice Ogala adjourned further proceedings to April 18, 2024.
