Hajj Safety: Ewenla Advocates More Global Dialogue on Crowd Management

…Says lessons from past Hajj tragedies and other large-scale events should drive continuous improvements in crowd management and public safety

A public affairs commentator and security expert, Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has called for increased discussion on safety measures at major international gatherings, using the annual Hajj pilgrimage and other large-scale events as points of comparison.

In a statement made available to the public, Ewenla emphasized that his observations were not intended as criticism of Islam or any religious practice, but rather as an appeal for continued efforts to safeguard human lives during mass events.

According to official Saudi figures, approximately 1.7 million pilgrims participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The event remains one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting Muslims from across the globe to fulfill a key religious obligation.

Ewenla noted that other large public events, including Carnival celebrations in Brazil, also draw massive crowds annually.

Reports from Brazilian authorities indicate that an estimated 65 million people participated in Carnival festivities nationwide in 2026.

He observed that over the years, some Hajj seasons have experienced tragic incidents resulting from overcrowding, extreme weather conditions, stampedes, and other crowd-management challenges.

These occurrences, he said, raise important questions about what lessons can be learned from global experiences in managing large gatherings and whether additional measures can further enhance safety for pilgrims.

“Every human life is valuable, and every preventable loss of life should concern humanity as a whole,” he stated.

The security expert acknowledged the significant investments made by Saudi Arabian authorities in infrastructure development, technology, and safety systems aimed at improving the Hajj experience.

However, he maintained that whenever fatalities occur on a large scale, it is natural for the international community to seek explanations and explore ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ewenla stressed that asking questions about public safety should not be interpreted as opposition to religion. According to him, meaningful progress is often achieved when difficult issues are discussed openly, respectfully, and constructively.

He reaffirmed his respect for religious freedom and the right of individuals to practice their faith, while encouraging broader conversations on issues affecting public safety and human welfare.

Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla is the Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, a security expert, real estate investor, and graduate surveyor.