‘Handling of Oromoni case disappointing’ — Dowen College alumni demand suspension of principal

The 2012/2013 graduating class of Dowen College has tackled the school over the way it handled the case of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, its late student.

The Oromoni, 12, was alleged to have been attacked by “some senior colleagues” for refusing to join a cult group.

His death has continued to provoke outrage on social media platforms while the Lagos state government also shut down the school.

The student’s father had earlier told TheCable Lifestyle that his child was beaten and fed with liquid substance.

But the school had dismissed the claim, alleging that he only sustained injuries while playing football with his colleagues.

Reacting to the incident in a statement sent to TheCable Lifestyle on Saturday, the alumni group said the school “has failed to handle Sylvester’s case properly thus far.”

In the statement, signed by Osarodion Obayiuwana, the group also said the school’s initial response showed it did not conduct a proper investigation into the incident before reacting.

“We, the 2012/2013 graduating class of Dowen College, are deeply saddened by the death of Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr.) and very disappointed with Dowen College’s handling of the matter,” it read.

“We have seen official statements and videos from both parties, and it’s clear the Oromoni family have put out a far stronger case for bullying and battery than Dowen’s initial case for a football injury.

“The initial statement showed that Dowen rushed an investigation and media statement once the public heard the story, initially claiming the cause to be a football injury instead of bullying and battery.”

The ex-students also called for the immediate suspension of the school’s management — specifically the principal and vice-principal — for issuing the initial “erroneous statement”.

The group asked the school to retract the earlier statement, conduct a proper investigation into the incident and release a fresh statement containing an apology to the public.

“We, the 2012/2013 graduating set, propose the following steps to Dowen’s management to better handle this saddening case,” it added.

“Immediately suspend management staff responsible for the initial erroneous statement (Principal and Vice-Principal especially).

“Immediately summon alleged students to the disciplinary committee, with further inquiries made into hostel social life and activities.

“Make another statement retracting the initial erroneous statement, apologizing to the Oromoni family and mentioning the actions in 1. and 2. above.

“Thoroughly carry out a proper investigation on Sylvester’s case and take disciplinary action against all those involved.

“Make definitive disciplinary action on management staff responsible for the initial statement, we strongly suggest lay-offs/dismissals.

“Make another statement where details of 4. and 5. are included and issue another heartfelt apology to Sylvester’s family for the loss of their son.”