The administration of Chrisland High School in Opebi, Lagos, has withdrawn the official apology for the death of Whitney Adeniran, a former student who died during a sports competition at the school.
Whitney, 12, died on February 9, 2023, at Agege Stadium. An autopsy revealed that she died of asphyxia and electrocution.
The death of the young girl has resulted in an enormous outpouring of prayers and accusations from sympathising friends, families, and the general public.
In fact, the Lagos State Government has waded into the matter and immediately shut down the school to allow for further investigations.
Chrisland broke its silence nearly a month after the student’s death with a public apology titled “We Are Sorry” posted on their Instagram page.
Although the statement has been removed from the page, a PM News correspondent obtained a copy.
It reads, “We are deeply saddened and sorry about Whitney’s death. We are remorseful and sorry to Whitney’s parents. We are sorry to our parents and the entire community that hosts our school.
“We are also very sorry to the nation at large. It was a huge loss to the school. We express an equal measure of apology to Nigeria Media, another critical stakeholder, in case we have sent unbearably quiet signals.
“We have been quiet because this death was so shocking, we opted more for introspection and moral rectitude rather than strutting around the Media space to seize narratives.
“Moreso, we considered it imperative to allow the parents and indeed the entire Adeniran family the honour of their privacy as we all mourn this unfortunate loss. Whitney Adeniran was a bright and lovely student. She was popular and friendly. Her memory lives with us.
“We hereby vehemently refute the claim making the rounds that Chrisland School intends to exhume Whitney’s body. We have no such plan and assure the public that we are also parents in mourning and will not do or subscribe to anything that paints such insensitive optics that prevents our dear daughter from resting.
“We assure you all that no such thing will happen. Rather than do this, plans are underway to immortalize Whitney’s name so she can remain indelible in our consciousness. This is without prejudice to the ongoing Coroner inquest but it is a honour we owe her.”
“Responding to every sensation or misinformation peddled, therefore, does not serve this purpose and we, therefore, continue to uphold restraint. Unfortunately this quiet is coming with regrettable, misconstrued conclusions.
“Nonetheless, Chrisland Schools will continue to cooperate with the authorities throughout the duration of the investigations, and also offer the parents every necessary support in this grieving period.
“In the meantime, we have continued to engage the Adenirans. We are not relenting, because she is our daughter too and we shall alwas be there with the family to navigate this dark period.
“To all those who have stood truly by us and the Adenirans at this trying moment, we convey our sincere gratitude
credit: PM News
