There was widespread apprehension in Osun State on Wednesday after a podium suddenly collapsed during a rally in Ijebu-Jesa, sending panic through the venue where several top officials, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated.
A 30-second video obtained by The Punch captured the moment the structure gave way while the governor and other dignitaries were on the platform.
Those present included Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi.
At the time of the incident, musical entertainment was ongoing, and the master of ceremonies was wrapping up the segment before introducing the next programme item when the podium suddenly collapsed.
A source at the event, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the situation briefly disrupted the rally.
He noted, however, that activities resumed after security operatives moved those affected away from the collapsed section.
“The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much.
“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, downplayed the severity of the incident.
“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries.
“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government,” Bamiji said.
