Dowen College Parents' Forum Holds Candlelight Procession In Memory Of 12-year-old Student, Sylvester Oromoni (Photos)

Yesterday, December 9, 2021, the Parents’ Forum of Dowen College, Lagos State held a candlelight procession in honour of the late student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr), according to SaharaReporters.

The parents who wore black T-shirts reading, ‘Dowen Parents Mourn’, raised lit candles as they offered prayers for the parents of Sylvester Oromoni.

They also displayed placards with photographs of the late 12-year-old student as they sang solemn songs. 

Before the candlelight procession, the parents said in a statement issued on Tuesday, “The lighting of candles is to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ and keeping the light burning signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright.

“The Candlelight no doubt shall promote reflection and signifies remembrance of a life cut short in his infancy.

“We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how some protesters on Wednesday barricaded the entrance to the college in protest against the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni at the school.

The late student was allegedly attacked by some of his senior colleagues for refusing to join a cult group.

His cousin – Perrison Oromoni – had gone on social media to narrate how he died and also called out the names of his cousin’s alleged killers.

Perrison said the school called the deceased’s father, telling him that his son sustained injuries while playing football at the school.

Meanwhile, over 100,000 persons have signed a petition domiciled on the Change.org platform seeking the arrest of those identified to be involved in Sylvester's death and their swift prosecution.

In a video uploaded by BBC Pidgin on Wednesday, some protesters were seen in front of Dowen College demanding that the school authorities be held accountable for failing to protect the deceased.

They also urged security agencies to wade into the issue promptly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

However, sources said police operatives who were spotted in large numbers threatened to arrest the protesters if they failed to stop.

SaharaReporters had on Tuesday reported that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also finally reacted to the death of Oromoni.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the governor described the incident as disturbing and heartbreaking.

He also assured the bereaved's family of his administration's commitment to ensure justice is served in the case.

"I commiserate deeply with the family of late Sylvester (Jnr) Oromoni, the 12-year old pupil of Dowen College, Lagos," he wrote.

"As a parent, I share the grief Sylvester's demise has brought upon his parents and the entire household. The incident is not only sad but disturbing and heartbreaking.

"Consequently, I have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. But while that is going on, I would like to give Sylvester's parents and the entire citizenry of Lagos, the assurance of my full support at this trying time. 

"I share their pains and sense of loss. Indeed, words are inadequate to describe my feelings, but I pray that God Almighty will soothe their pains, and grant Sylvester Jnr eternal rest."