The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher accused of administering excessive punishment that reportedly led to the death of Monday Arijo, an SS2 student at Obada Grammar School, located in Obada, Idi-emi. The incident, which has stirred public outrage, unfolded after Arijo was allegedly flogged 24 times and instructed to complete 162 frog jumps as a disciplinary measure.
Reports indicate that Arijo collapsed during the punishment. He was rushed to several hospitals but ultimately succumbed, allegedly due to complications arising from the incident. The tragic event, which occurred on 15th October, gained wider attention last Friday after activist Adetoun Onajobi posted a video condemning the state government and calling for accountability.
Following the incident, the teacher involved was reportedly arrested, and the school’s principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, was issued a query. In a statement released Sunday by Ojo Emmanuel, New Media aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun, it was announced that the teacher’s suspension had been implemented, and the principal was queried “for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state.”
According to the statement, Mrs. Onaolapo was given a 24-hour deadline to explain her actions and justify why disciplinary measures should not be imposed for her deviation from state policies regarding student discipline.
“Subsequently, a letter of condolence was sent to the bereaved family, commiserating with them on the sudden death of their loving son and promising to get justice for the family,” the statement continued. Signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the letter described the late student as “an exceptional pupil who would be missed by his colleagues, the school, and the state at large.”
The statement concluded with prayers for the grieving family, wishing them strength to bear the loss and peace for the departed soul.