Odunayo Alade, father of 15-year-old Kehinde, who was tragically killed by a stray police bullet in Ibadan, has spoken out about the harrowing events that led to his son’s death and called for justice and accountability.
The teenager was fatally shot near Gbagi Market Road on Tuesday, while riding in a car driven by his father.
According to Alade, the incident occurred during a chaotic chase involving officers of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and a police escort, who were pursuing him for driving against traffic.
Narrating the sequence of events, Alade explained that he was simply transporting his children home from school when the tragedy occurred.
“I take them to school every day, and if I’m free in the afternoon, I pick them up. On this day, I had about five children in the car,” he said.
“After fixing a tyre at a nearby vulcanizer’s shop, I noticed a vehicle moving toward me. I didn’t realize it was from the traffic agency. When they tried to stop me and hit my car, I reversed and attempted to avoid further confrontation. I had no idea four vehicles were chasing me.”
As the chase escalated, Alade said he heard a gunshot. Moments later, his son, Kehinde, began shouting from the back seat. “I didn’t know he had been hit until his twin brother cried out, ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot.’”
In a desperate attempt to save his son, Alade said he stopped the vehicle and rushed him to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but the boy was pronounced dead on arrival.
“One of the officers even opened the car door and saw that there were children inside,” Alade lamented. “I wasn’t a criminal. I was just taking my kids home.”
Alade revealed the personal struggles he has faced raising his children alone after their mother abandoned the family seven years ago. He said he had dedicated himself fully to providing for his children and giving them a better life.
“The boy that was shot was in SS1. He would have turned 14 in November. His elder brother was writing WAEC that same day,” he said, visibly shaken.
Expressing his deep grief and anger, Alade demanded justice for his son, insisting that the officials responsible be held to account.
“This cannot go unpunished,” he said. “Kehinde was a bright child with dreams and a future. His life was stolen from us by those who were supposed to protect us. I need answers, and I don’t want any other parent to suffer this kind of pain.”