Dowen College student, Late Sylvester Oromoni To Be Buried On January 27
The family of 12-year-old pupils of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, has announced the burial of their son.
Sylvester tragically passed away on November 30, 2021, after he was allegedly tortured and injured by some senior students of the college who purportedly intended to initiate him into a cult group.
The incident, at the time, generated mixed reactions on and off the internet, with the school also bearing the brunt of the situation.
Two years after the incident, a statement made available to journalists on Monday morning by the family of the deceased revealed that Sylvester would be finally laid to rest on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The final rites are scheduled to happen at the Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom in Delta State.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, the family announced,
“As a family grappling with the profound sorrow brought about by this inexplicable loss we have chosen to bid farewell to Sylvester on Saturday, January 27, 2024 with final rites to be conducted at Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, Delta state.
“Exactly two years ago, precisely on November, 30, 2021, the death of our 12-year-old son, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, was announced in controversial circumstances, after he was tortured to death by some senior students who wanted to initiate him into a cult group and till date we as family is yet to get justice in the matter.
“Sylvester, born on December 4, 2009, met a devastating end on November 30, 2021, succumbing to injuries inflicted in a harrowing assault by fellow students.
“Before his untimely demise, Sylvester was renowned for his exceptional intellect and maturity beyond his years. A young mind brimming with potential, he demonstrated remarkable initiative and an extraordinary sense of humor, endearing him to those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Sylvester’s insatiable passion for knowledge, particularly in fields of computer science, programming, electrical science, and his special interest in football set him apart.
“His absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives as a family and the lives of those who hold him dear, and his legacy will endure through the indelible memories of the profound impact he made on those around him.”
“As we continue to mourn our son, we as a family implore everyone to honour Sylvester’s memory by reflecting on the bright spirit that enriched their lives and celebrate the intellect that radiated from his young mind. As the community mourns the loss of this promising scholar, we will continue to demand justice for our beloved son who was murdered in cold blood by fellow students,” the statement stated.
Marking the two-year anniversary of their son’s brutal and untimely demise, the father of the deceased, Sylvester Oromoni last year told SaharaReporters that as a family, they would not stop crying out for justice for their son.
He added that he was compelled to take the step to seek justice.
He said, “As the father of the deceased, I cannot be tired or discouraged from pursuing justice as I have promised my son to get him justice even if it will take thirty years to achieve it.
“Thursday, November 30, 2023, makes it two years since the demise of my son and the body is still in the morgue, yet to be buried. May the soul of Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr.) and all departed souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Sylvester’s father and the family had also threatened that if the inquest was not concluded before the end of 2022, they would be compelled to withdraw from it in order to take a different legal route to seek justice.