Oyo Lawmaker, Olufunke Comforter Seeks Regulation of Large Gatherings to Prevent Tragic Incidents

The Oyo State House of Assembly Lawmaker, representing Ibadan North 1, Hon. (Dr) Olufunke Comforter, has called for the regulation of large gatherings in the state to prevent tragic incidents and ensure public safety.

The Lawmaker who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development made the call while presenting the report of her Committee during Thursday’s plenary of the House

The report urged the Executive Arm of Government to propose a Bill to regulate public gatherings in the state.

This was pursuant to the resolution of the House on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 that the Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development interfaced with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to receiving inputs on the ‘Need for the Executive Arm of Government to regulate large Public Gatherings to ensure Safety and Prevent Tragic Incidents’.

The Committee met with the officials of different Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Ministry of Health, Office of the Special Adviser on Security Matters, and the Executive Secretary of Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF)

During it interactions with the above officials, the Committee discovered that the Ministry of Health had established some guidelines for regulating public gatherings in the State which must be adhered to.

The guidelines read “Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before any public event, including crowd control plan, with designated entry and exit points ; Encourage organizers or planners of event to obtain a formal clearance from relevant authorities before hosting the event ; Encourage organisers of events to implement ticketing or registration system to control attendance and ensure that venue is well ventilated with designated zones for categories of attendees ; Advise organizers to engage trained security personnel to control crowds, using barriers, queue management systems and staggered entry points to prevent congestion ; Mandate organizers or planners to set up a fully equipped First Aid station with trained medical personnel on standby ; and advise that exit doors remain unobstructed at all times.”

According to the report, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion also listed guidelines for regulating public gatherings and they are:

“Conduct trainings for event planners and require organizers or planners to submit a safety plan including crowd control and security measures, designated emergency exits and evacuation routes ; Mandate organisers to provide evidence of their collaboration with requisite Security Agencies for adequate security presence ; Encourage that separate safety zones be provided for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities ; Require the presence of fire extinguishers, emergency alarms and medical kits at the venue of any event before permits are issued ; the Ministry collaborates with Oyo State Fire Services, Agency, Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources and Health, and the Security Agencies to ensure event organisers or planners adhere to requisite protocols.

While interfacing with the Special Adviser on Security, he charged regulatory authorities and Security Agencies overseeing public gatherings to always adhere to the Public Order Act to prevent untoward happenings.

The report highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework to guide the organization and management of public events.

Hon. (Dr) Olufunke Comforter noted that the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework often led to avoidable tragedies and loss of lives in the past.

The report commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, for its commitment to the welfare of citizens and prompt intervention in curtailing tragic incidents.

It directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to formulate policies safeguarding children and other vulnerable individuals at public gatherings while equally mandating event planners to take measures to prevent unwanted guests and gatecrashers, ensuring the safety and security of event venues.

The Committee also urged Law Enforcement Agencies to implement and enforce the Public Order Act regulating public gatherings, processions, and demonstrations to maintain public order and safety.