There was panic in Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, on Wednesday when a stage hosting Governor Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries collapsed during a political rally organised in support of the governor.
The incident occurred during the launch of the Imole Canvassers initiative organised by Accord candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Pelumi Olajengbesi.
Witnesses said the stage gave way shortly after Governor Adeleke rose to address supporters gathered at the venue.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing the moment the structure collapsed and prompting a brief commotion among attendees.
The event was organised to inaugurate about 10,000 Imole Canvassers tasked with promoting the administration’s programmes and policies across the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and the wider Osun East Senatorial District.
Despite the incident, no injuries involving the governor or other prominent political figures were reported.
Senior government sources confirmed that Governor Adeleke and other officials present at the event were safe following the collapse.
The sources said security personnel and event organisers quickly responded to the situation and restored calm at the venue.
The lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, also confirmed the governor’s safety after the incident.
In a post on his Facebook page, Salam shared a photograph showing Governor Adeleke alongside Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Osun Accord Chairman Pastor Victor Akande, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and other party officials.
Salam wrote, “With His Excellency Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, after a very successful rally in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, where Pelumi Olajengbesi launched a massive campaign in support of the Governor.”
The rally later continued after confirmation that the governor and other dignitaries were unharmed, while attendees dispersed peacefully following the brief disruption caused by the stage collapse.