Whytney Adeyemi: What we know so far about her death

The death of Whytney Adeyemi, a student at Chrisland School who passed away over the weekend while participating in a school activity has generated a buzz on social media.

According to the reports, the 12-year-old died during the school’s inter-house sports competition at Agege Stadium in Lagos State, on Thursday, February 9.

WHAT CHRISLAND SAID?

In a statement released on Sunday, February 12, the school expressed its sorrow for the girl's passing, which it said happened on Thursday, February 9.

Part of the statement read: “The management and staff of Chrisland Schools Limited, with a deep sense of loss, announce the death of our precious student, Whytney Adeyemi; whose painful exit occurred on Thursday, February 9th, 2023."

The school said Whytney opted not to participate in the event and as such expressed its sadness and worry about her decision because she was one of the school's Day pupils for reasons "we were not quite sure of."

The management said: “However, on discretion, we respected her decision to err on the side of caution, because on January 20, 2023, it is in our records that she had complained about not-too-buoyant health and we immediately contacted her parents.

"Her father, Mr Michael Adeniran, came to the school to take her home. We emphasised to her parents to take a critical look at her.”

The school claimed Whytney collapsed in plain sight and not due to any covert circumstances, and that she was taken to the closest hospital for first aid.

WHAT WHYTNEY'S PARENTS ARE SAID

The mother Mrs. Blessing Adeniran cried out for justice for her daughter's demise on social media after it was circulated that she slumped and died during the school's inter-house activities.

She stated that Whitney was dead on arrival at the hospital because the medical report had written in it "dead on arrival."

Mrs Adeniran added that her husband also rushed to take Whytney to another hospital, but was told she had died.

The father Mr. Michael Adeniran also took to social media to call for a probe into the passing of his daughter as his daughter left home without any health conditions or sickness. He also requested actions from the police and the Lagos State Government.

WHAT THE POLICE SAID

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident saying, “the matter was reported to the police immediately after the incident occurred.

“The case is presented at the State Criminal Investigation Department and an autopsy is going to be carried out to know the circumstances that led to her death. That’s all the update I have for now.”

WHAT THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT SAID

The Lagos State Ministry of Education has ordered the temporary closure of Chrisland School, Opebi-Ikeja, following the reported death of a student of the School, Whytney Adeyemi.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo said the closure was ordered pending the outcome of a full investigation into the unfortunate incident.

Adefisayo, on behalf of the State Ministry of Education, commiserated with Mr. and Mrs. Adeyemi, parents of Whytney, and prayed for the repose of her soul.

“We also note the impact of this unfortunate event on family, friends and acquaintance of Whitney and call for calm as we assure that no effort will be spared in investigating the incident”, the Commissioner stated.

CELEBRITY REACTIONS

The news has since left many people talking and sharing their opinions while sympathizing with the family of the deceased.

Nigerian celebrities in the likes of Mercy Johnson, Alesh Sanni, Iyabo Ojo, Funke Etti, Folorunsho Adeola, Sandra Ikeji, Bose Aregbesolaamong, and a host of others have also added their voices.

Mercy Johnson called on the school to accept responsibility and make the circumstances that lead to her death public.

Iyabo Ojo also posted the school's emblem and urged them to be honest about the young girl's passing.

GA/NBA