- Odunayo Alade is the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was killed by a street policeman in Ibadan.
- He has spoken about the tragic incident and explained his actions that day.
- After confronting traffic officials, Alade competes with traffic due to confusion and panic.
Kehinde Alade’s father, Odunayo Alade, finally broke his silence over the tragic incident, sharing why he drove against traffic on that fateful day.
Alade was overwhelmed, not intending to break any law, but was in trouble and panic when he was confused and panic after escalating with traffic officials.
“I just wanted to get my kids to school,” he explained. “I just pumped my tires on a nearby tile (Vulcaniser) that morning. When I left, a car approached and tried to stop me. I didn’t know they were traffic officers.”
He tells how officials from the Oyo State Road Traffic Administration (Oyrtma) collided with his car while trying to stop him.
To avoid further trouble, Arad turned around and tried to drive away – he didn’t realize he was mistaken for the suspect.
“I take them to school every day, and in the afternoon, if I stumble upon them, I’ll pick them up home. There are about five kids in the car. When some kids go to the Olatundun area, others are going to Olabidan.
“I moved when I saw them, but they tried to stop me from hitting my car. Then, I turned around and walked around them, not knowing that the other four cars were chasing me.
“I maneuvered and escaped when their trailer hit my car. Then, I heard gunshots. My son yelled “Dad, Dad” in the back seat. I tried to calm him down, thinking we were out of the danger zone. I didn’t know my playing bullet, and the playing bullet hit him. His twin brother laughed.
Alade describes his panic and confusion, stressing that he just wants the child to go to school safely.
His worst fear came true when a policeman was in chaos and a shot of Kehinde, who was sitting behind the vehicle.
“When I parked the car and took the boy out, the police and traffic officers were still chasing me. I caught one of them. People gathered and drove the boy to the hospital. From there, he was taken to Uch. Sadly, when we got there, he gave up on the ghost, He recalled painfully.
Alade, who has raised his children alone since his mother left seven years ago, was heartbroken and now demanded justice.
“Their mother gave up on us seven years ago and I promised myself the best life possible for my children. I worked tirelessly to serve them, often sacrificing my needs.
“I turned down the opportunity to remarry because I wanted to focus on raising my children. I often wonder which woman would accept me and my situation without jeopardizing their happiness.
“I have done everything I can to give the kids a good life. Keende has dreams. He loves school. Now life is over – what is this? The reckless pursuit.”
He insisted that he was never a suspect and was confused by the officer’s harsh reaction.
“They saw that I had kids in the car. I did nothing wrong except trying to get my kids to school. They misjudged me.”
Eld summed up the responsibility.
“This cannot be punished. I hope those responsible will be held accountable. No parent should endure the pain of losing their children in this meaningless way.
“Kehinde is a smart boy with dreams and aspirations. He loves school and is excited about his future. Now, all of this has been stolen by us.
“I need to understand why this happens. My son has great potential and his life has been shortened due to the reckless decisions of those who should protect us. I ask for answers. I ask for answers and I hope no other family suffers this loss.”
After the tragedy, the Attorney General of Police ordered a full investigation into the matter, and a police officer was reportedly detained.
