On January 27, 2024, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos State, was finally laid to rest at his family’s compound in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta. This solemn event occurred over two years after the tragic incident that led to his death in November 2021. Oromoni’s death, which the school initially attributed to injuries from playing football, sparked controversy and legal battles. His family disputed the school’s claim, asserting that Sylvester had no prior health issues. An initial autopsy suggested “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication,” a finding later discredited, leading to a second autopsy concluding natural death.
The case has been in the courts since 2022, with the bereaved family determined to pursue justice up to the apex court. During the final stages of the court proceedings, the presiding magistrate, Mikhail Kadiri, indicated that the ruling would be announced on April 12. In a heartfelt decision, the family chose to proceed with the burial, expressing a desire to bid their final farewell to Sylvester.