By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
There was panic on Saturday at Ijebu-Jesa, headquarters of Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, after a podium collapsed during the inauguration of vote canvassers for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
The event, which began around noon, had Governor Adeleke, his elder sister Modupe Adeleke-Sanni, and other dignitaries in attendance. It was organised by Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi.
Midway into the programme, the governor was invited to acknowledge supporters in attendance. As he rose to greet the crowd, other dignitaries also moved toward him, placing additional weight on the already crowded podium, which eventually gave way and collapsed.
The incident caused confusion at the venue as party members briefly expressed concern about the governor’s safety. However, no fatalities were recorded.
Some members and officials of the Accord Party reportedly sustained minor injuries as a result of the collapse.
The programme was subsequently brought to an early conclusion following the incident.