In a poignant ceremony, the late Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni Jr., was laid to rest on January 27th in his father’s compound in Ogbe Ijoh, Warri, Delta State. The burial marked the culmination of a prolonged legal battle and two years since the 12-year-old’s untimely death under suspicious circumstances at his boarding school.
Sylvester Oromoni Jr.’s passing in 2021 sparked controversy as allegations of bullying by his seniors at Dowen College surfaced. Despite the school’s denial, a legal battle ensued between the bereaved parents and the school management. The parents insisted that their son had no pre-existing health issues before the tragic incident.
The delay in Sylvester’s burial garnered attention, and on January 27, 2024, the family finally laid him to rest in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Human Rights activist Femi Falana.
The elaborate nature of the burial, however, sparked reactions on social media, with users expressing their disapproval of such an event for a young child. The sentiments ranged from questioning cultural practices to reflections on the tragic incident.
Notably, Sylvester Oromoni Sr., the father, had vowed not to bury his son until justice was served. A key point of contention was the cause of Sylvester’s death. An autopsy conducted in January 2022 revealed that the 12-year-old died from ‘acute lung injury from chemical intoxication in a background of blunt force.’ However, a second report from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos deemed his death as natural, leading to disagreements with the family.
The protracted legal battle and the differing conclusions of the autopsy reports have contributed to public scrutiny and ongoing discussions about justice, accountability, and the safety of students in educational institutions. The circumstances surrounding Sylvester Oromoni Jr.’s death have become a focal point in conversations about the need for transparency, proper investigation, and protection of students in schools.
It was great seeing how much work you put into it. The picture is nice, and your writing style is stylish, but you seem to be worrying that you should be presenting the next article. I’ll almost certainly be back to read more of your work if you take care of this hike.