Adeleke, others escape unhurt as podium collapses at political rally

There was a moment of panic in Osun State on Wednesday after a podium carrying Governor Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries collapsed during a political rally in Ijebu-Jesa.

A video from the event showed Adeleke, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, among those seated on the podium when the structure suddenly gave way.

The incident occurred while songs were being rendered at the rally. The event anchor had just concluded one segment of the programme and was about to introduce the next activity when the podium collapsed.

A source at the venue, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the incident briefly disrupted the programme.

According to the source, the rally was organised for the inauguration of Imole canvassers in the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and attracted a large crowd.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in the section of the podium that collapsed. There was no casualty. Security personnel quickly assisted those affected, and the programme resumed shortly afterward,” the source said.

He added that Governor Adeleke later addressed the gathering after the incident.

Reacting to the development, the deputy spokesperson to the governor, Oladele Bamiji, downplayed the incident, insisting that no one was injured.

“The event continued smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet in attendance. There were no injuries or casualties.

“If it had been a serious or fatal incident, the programme would not have continued. After leaving the venue, the governor proceeded to another engagement in Odo-Otin Local Government Area,” Bamiji said.

The incident caused temporary apprehension among attendees, but normal activities resumed shortly after the collapse.