“Why I Flouted Traffic Laws That Day”– Heartbroken Father Shares

• Odunayo Alade is the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was killed by a stray police bullet in Ibadan.
• He has spoken out about the tragic incident, explaining his actions on that day.
• Alade drove against traffic due to confusion and panic after a confrontation with traffic officials.

Odunayo Alade, the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade who lost his life to a stray police bullet in Ibadan, has finally broken his silence about the tragic event, sharing why he drove against traffic on that fateful day.

Overwhelmed with grief, Alade said he did not intend to break any laws but was caught in a moment of confusion and panic after an encounter with traffic officials escalated.

“I was only trying to get my children to school,” he explained. “That morning, I had just pumped my tyre at a nearby vulcaniser. As I was leaving, a car approached and tried to stop me. I didn’t know they were traffic officials.”

He recounted how the officials from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) collided with his car while trying to stop him.

Trying to avoid further trouble, Alade reversed and attempted to drive away — unaware he was being mistaken for a suspect.

“I take them to school every day and, in the afternoon, if I’m chanced, I pick them back home. There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan. I had just pumped my tyre and was about to leave when I noticed a vehicle approaching. I didn’t know it belonged to OYRTMA.

“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried to stop me and hit my car. I then reversed to bypass them, not knowing that four other vehicles were chasing me.

“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I maneuvered and escaped. Then, I heard a gunshot. My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ from the back seat. I tried to calm him, thinking we had left the danger zone. Unknown to me, the stray bullet had hit him. It was his twin brother who screamed, ‘Daddy, stop! Taiwo has been shot!’”

Alade described his panic and confusion, emphasizing he only wanted to get his children safely to school.

His worst fears came true when, amid the chaos, a police officer fired a shot that struck Kehinde, who was seated in the back of the vehicle.

“As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and traffic officials were still running after me. I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital. From there, he was taken to UCH. Sadly, when we got there, he gave up the ghost,” he recalled painfully.

Having raised his children alone since their mother left seven years ago, Alade is heartbroken and now demands justice.

“Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my own needs.

“I’ve turned down opportunities to remarry because I wanted to focus on raising my kids. I often wonder which woman would accept me and my situation without jeopardizing their well-being.

“I’ve done everything I could to give my children a good life. Kehinde had dreams. He loved school. That life is gone now — and for what? A reckless chase over nothing.”

He insisted he was never a suspect and remains bewildered by the officers’ harsh reaction.

“They saw I had children in the car. I wasn’t doing anything wrong beyond trying to get my kids to school. They misjudged me.”

Alade concluded with a call for accountability.

“This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless manner.

“Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future. Now, all of that has been stolen from us.

“I need to understand why this happened. My son had so much potential, and it feels incredibly unfair that his life was cut short due to a reckless decision by those who are supposed to protect us. I demand answers, and I want to ensure no other family suffers this kind of loss.”

Following the tragedy, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered a full investigation into the matter, and one officer has reportedly been detained.