Ogun Govt Suspends Teacher Over Pupil’s Death at Obada Grammar School
The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher at Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi, following the death of Monday Ariyo, an SS2 student. Ariyo collapsed after being flogged and made to do 162 frog jumps as punishment for a remark he made in class. He later died at the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher at Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi, following the tragic death of an SS2 student, Monday Ariyo. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology confirmed the teacher's suspension, citing the pupil's death after being punished with flogging and 162 frog jumps.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred after the teacher brought a trash can into the classroom and instructed the students not to break it. Ariyo allegedly responded by stating that the dustbin was purchased with the students' money, leading to the disciplinary action against him. Shortly after the punishment, Ariyo collapsed and was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, on Friday.
In a statement on its official X handle on Sunday, the Ogun State Government revealed that the teacher involved had been arrested, and the school's Principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, was issued a query for allowing the use of corporal punishment, which is against the state's established guidelines. The Principal was given 24 hours to explain her actions and justify why disciplinary measures should not be enforced against her.
The government also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. The letter described the late Monday Ariyo as an exceptional student who would be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers, and the entire state. It expressed hopes for the family's strength during this difficult time and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Felix Agbesanwa, commented on the incident, stating that Ariyo was not the only student punished. According to Agbesanwa, the entire class was subjected to flogging, and Ariyo had disclosed that he was involved in a bike accident prior to the punishment.
The Ogun State Government has promised to ensure that justice is served in the matter, reinforcing its commitment to student safety and adherence to regulations that prohibit corporal punishment in schools.
