Rosemary Oromoni, the grieving mother of Sylvester Oromoni, has tragically passed away. Sylvester, a pre-teen secondary school student, became the focus of a high-profile bullying case involving Dowen College in Lagos that sparked nationwide outrage.
Rosemary’s death, as reported by Naija News and confirmed by a family source speaking to The Cable, occurred in late November 2024 after a prolonged struggle with blood pressure-related illnesses.
Her passing comes just over seven months after a Lagos court ruling in April 2024, which was a significant blow to the Oromoni family in their pursuit of justice for their son’s untimely death.
Sylvester Oromoni’s Death and the Alleged Bullying Incident:
Sylvester Oromoni’s tragic death on November 30, 2021, while still a student at Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos, became the center of a highly publicized case. The Oromoni family accused five male students of bullying, beating, and allegedly forcing their son to ingest a chemical substance, which they claimed led to his death.
The young boy, just 12 years old at the time of his death, reportedly suffered severe injuries in the days leading up to his passing. His parents contended that Sylvester’s physical condition worsened after he was allegedly assaulted by his peers, who had reportedly subjected him to a series of physical and emotional abuses.
Dowen College, on the other hand, dismissed the allegations, insisting that Sylvester’s injuries were sustained during a football game with friends, denying any claims of bullying or abuse.
Autopsy Findings and Legal Proceedings:
The Oromoni family remained steadfast in their belief that Sylvester’s death was a direct result of the bullying incident. In January 2022, an initial autopsy report indicated that Sylvester had died from “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication.” This conclusion raised further alarm, with the family asserting that their son had no known pre-existing health issues before the incident.
However, the original autopsy was marred by questions surrounding the methods used and dissatisfaction with the witnesses present during the procedure. As a result, the Lagos Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) commissioned a second autopsy, which concluded that Sylvester’s death was “natural” and not linked to any criminal activity.
The conflicting findings led to further public outrage and debate, with many Nigerians continuing to demand justice for the Oromoni family.
Defendants and Legal Outcome:
Five teenage boys from Dowen College were named as defendants in the case. They were accused of involvement in the bullying and subsequent assault that led to Sylvester’s death. The accused students included Favour Benjamin, Micheal Kashamu, Edward Begue, Ansel Temile, and Kenneth Inyang.
In 2022, after several legal proceedings, all five boys were cleared of the charges and released from the juvenile home where they had been held. This decision left the Oromoni family devastated, as they believed their son had been wronged and his death had not been adequately investigated or addressed.
Court’s Ruling and the Oromoni Family’s Protest:
The legal proceedings continued through the Coroner’s Court, where Judge Mikhail Kadiri presided. In his ruling, the judge concluded that Sylvester Oromoni had died of sepsis, a life-threatening infection that resulted from an untreated ankle injury, which led to infections in his lungs and kidneys. The court dismissed the claims of chemical intoxication and bullying as contributing factors to the death.
The Oromoni family, in protest against the court’s ruling and the lack of justice for their son, opted to keep Sylvester’s body in the morgue for an extended period before finally burying him on January 27, 2024. This was an emotional and symbolic gesture, intended to express their frustration and demand accountability for their son’s death.
Rosemary Oromoni’s Death:
The mother’s death in late November 2024, after months of struggling with health issues, is seen by many as a direct consequence of the immense emotional toll the family has faced throughout the legal battle and the ongoing trauma of losing a child under such controversial circumstances.
Rosemary Oromoni’s passing has added to the family’s heartbreak, as they continue to deal with the aftermath of their son’s death, the legal battles, and the unanswered questions surrounding the events that led to his demise.
The tragic loss of both Sylvester and his mother, Rosemary, highlights the profound emotional and psychological impact of unresolved justice on families. The Oromoni case continues to stir emotions across Nigeria, as many continue to call for justice for Sylvester Oromoni, his family, and all victims of bullying and violence.
The case remains a painful reminder of the importance of holding institutions accountable, ensuring proper investigations, and supporting families who are seeking justice in the face of overwhelming challenges.
