Source: https://saharareporters.com/
In a tragic revelation that has continued to stir national outcry and demands for justice, the family of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos State, announced the burial of their son for January 27, 2024. Sylvester’s untimely death on November 30, 2021, allegedly resulted from torture by senior students seeking to initiate him into a cult, marking a stark and somber chapter in the nation’s history of school violence.
Sylvester’s death, mired in controversy, has remained a focal point of intense grief for his family and the broader community. The family’s statement, issued to SaharaReporters, not only sets the date for laying Sylvester to rest but also serves as a poignant reminder of the bright, young mind lost in this harrowing incident. Known for his intelligence, humor, and interests in computer science, programming, and football, Sylvester’s passing has left an irreplaceable void.
The Oromoni family, in their relentless pursuit of justice, has endured a prolonged and painful journey. Sylvester’s father, vowing to fight for justice even if it takes thirty years, expressed his unwavering commitment on the second anniversary of his son’s death. The family’s frustration is further compounded by the delays in legal proceedings and the alleged inaction by Lagos State Government officials.
Despite the issuance of Legal Advice by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Lagos state, recommending prosecution for Dowen College and some of its staff, the accused individuals continue to evade accountability. The coroner’s inquest, despite the cooperation of several parents and witnesses, has seen postponements, adding to the family’s anguish.
The Oromoni family’s resolve remains unshaken, as they continue to vow to see the case through to a logical conclusion, regardless of the time it takes to achieve justice. Their plight, echoed in nationwide protests and societal condemnation, highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in addressing and preventing such tragedies in educational institutions. As they prepare to lay Sylvester to rest, the nation watches, a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable and ensure that no other family endures a similar fate.