Sylvester Oromoni: Killers are not the only ones responsible for death – Deputy Provost Omojuyigbe

By Miracle Beniah, Mofoluwasho Oladunjoye, and Reynold Egbonwon 

During his lecture with the final year students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism on Tuesday, December 8, the Deputy Provost of the institute, Dr Dele Omojuyigbe stated that the students who allegedly bullied and poisoned the late Sylvester Oromoni are not the only ones responsible for his death. 

He stressed that the young boy died as a result of gross indiscipline and failing systems. He added that the boy's parent, the parent of the children involved, authorities of the school, teachers, government and all systems the children passed through before getting to the point they are all responsible for the boy's death.

In support of what Dr Omojuyigbe said, Child's Right lecturer at NIJ, Mrs Ime Umoren stressed that if all factors involved which include parents, teachers and the government all played their roles well, effectively, and corrupt-free, Sylvester and other children who have suffered and probably died in boarding schools would never have experienced such. She added that most boarding schools are breeding grounds for violence, abuse and harassment and should be looked into properly by the appropriate authorities. 

She implored that parents should make out time for their children, pay keen attention to them and know what is going on in their lives to avoid such happening. 

Adding her input, Christiana Okomayin, a school owner and student of the institute added that teachers should do what is right to curb the menace of violence and other defiant acts in our schools. 

Background 

Who was Sylvester Oromoni? (2009-2021): He was a 12-year old Delta born Nigerian student who died mysteriously in December 2021 reportedly bullied and beaten by his mates at Dowen College — a school located in Lekki, Nigeria. 

According to reports, it is alleged that three boys abused him wanted him to join a cult but he refused. Due to his refusal, he has been bullied at school for an extended period of time. They also warned him that should he voice it to anyone, they will deal with him. 

Family Comment 

The late Sylvester Oromoni father said: “Junior said, ‘mummy, I didn’t play ball; I didn’t fall.’ He jumped off his hostel bed. They kicked him, matched his waist. Other students ran off. They threatened to kill them all if they spoke a word to the school staff. They warned Junior to say he sustained injuries while playing ball. They threatened him. If you ask the roommate, they’d all lie. They matched his ribs and waist. All that pain for a 12-year-old.” 

According to the Cable NG, the bereaved father, Mr Oromoni, said his son suffered liver enlargement due to congealed blood. 

“He said, before he could make a return trip to Warri towards facilitating Junior’s transfer to the teaching hospital, the boy drew what became his last breath. It was also claimed that Junior was fed a liquid substance described as “a chemical” for refusing to join the group,” the newspaper reported. 

It further quoted the father as saying; “My son suffered. His birthday is next tomorrow (Dec 4). I’ll celebrate it. I’ll have a cake baked. I’ll cut it on his behalf. The boys they mentioned were also reported to the school last term when they bullied Junior and collected all his foodstuff; clothes. I have two daughters, one of whom graduated earlier. I had to remove the second after this incident. They asked this boy to describe the sister’s privates and this got to us…” 

What did Dowen College Say? 

The administration of the school has responded with a lengthy statement. The statement has gone viral on social media on December 3rd and it has gotten Nigerians more infuriated at how heartless the school can be per their response to the issue at hand. 

MEDIA STATEMENT 

Press Statement on Oromoni Sylvester The attention of the management of Dowen College has been drawn to a viral post on the sad demise of one of our precious children, Sylvester Oromoni. 

On the 21st’ day of November 2021, one of the Hostel Parents reported to management that Sylvester was injured while playing football. The resident registered nurse immediately administered first aid on him, and after he expressed relief, was released to return to his hostel room. 

Sylvester was in class on Monday 22nd day of November 2021, but during school hours one of his friends accompanied him to the Sick Bay where he complained of some pain in his hip. The doctor examined him and prescribed Ibrofen for the pain, while the nurse massaged his leg, after which Sylvester said he felt a bit better. In accordance with school policy, the resident doctor called Mrs Oromoni report-ing the incident and requesting that she come for him so that he could get further medical attention. 

The mother however said she was not in Lagos, spoke with Sylvester and prayed with him on the phone and promised to send the guardian to pick him up immediately for further medical attention. When the guardian failed to show up, the next day on the 23rd of November 2021, the doctor called the mother again and this time, she assured that his guardian would pick him from school.

Sylvester’s guardian showed up and took him for X-ray after which the guardian informed the school management that the results of the investigation revealed that no part of his body was broken or injured. The resident doctor also called the mother later in the week to check up on Sylvester’s progress, but she informed the doctor that Sylvester was sleeping at the time. 

The Principal also spoke with Mrs. Oromoni on the phone to enquire about his progress, and she reported that he was having a massage and gave the phone to Sylvester to speak with the Principal. 

As a result, it came as no small shock to us to read wild social media tales that Sylvester was beaten by some students and that he specifically mentioned some names. We immediately commenced investigations and invited the students mentioned for an interview. 

Sylvester’s guardian was also present during some of the investigations. It was revealed that nothing of such happened. The whole incident was strange and unbelievable because 

1. The school has effective anti-bullying policies and consequences are well spelt out to all the students. 

2. The preliminary investigation showed that there was no fighting, bullying or any form of attack on the boy. 

3. There were no reports by Sylvester himself, his sister who is also a student or any other students, prefects, house parents, medical staff or any of the management staff about any fighting or bullying incident. 

4. The school has two regular nurses and a qualified medical doctor that promptly attend to students’ medical needs. 

5. The resident doctor followed the laid-down procedure by inviting Mrs Oromoni to take Sylvester home for further treatment after initial treatment by the school’s medical staff. 

The school has a very cordial relationship with the Oromoni family as Sylvester is the fifth child of the family Dowen College has the privilege to train, including his elder sister who is currently a student at the school. 

Furthermore, we state categorically Dowen College is built on core values of godliness and excellence and will not tolerate any acts of cultism, which is why there is nothing like that and there has never been such deviant activities going on, as this is a faith-based school and effective policies are in place to prevent such occurrence. 

Lagos Government Responds by Shutting Down School 

The Dowen College School has been directed by the Lagos State Government to close down with immediate effect. They said this must be done pending the outcome of their private investigations. 

The government officials have even visited the school premises. Commissioner for Education Mrs Folasade Adefisayo announced the closure after a meeting with the School Management and Staff. 

The Commissioner called for calm, saying no effort will be spared in getting to the root of the incident.