Ex-Ooni of Ife's Wife Linked to Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: 35 Children Dead in Stampede

 

The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Fasasi Abdulahi, Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six others, following the tragic deaths of several children in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Silekunola is reported to have been the primary sponsor of the event.

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the death toll has risen to 35 children, with six others critically injured. The incident occurred at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, where the event was initially planned to accommodate 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children attended, leading to the tragic stampede.

The funfair was organized by Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM, an Ibadan-based radio station that served as the event's media partner.

The police have arrested several individuals, including Genesis Christopher (24), Tanimowo Moruf (52), Anisolaja Olabode (42), Idowu Ibrahim (35), and Abiola Oluwatimilehin (25).

The police confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the investigation.

Osifeso assured the public of enhanced patrols and the presence of officers to prevent further incidents and ensure security in the area. He extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, promising that justice would be served.

Eyewitnesses have reported that the stampede occurred when attendees rushed to enter the venue, with some suggesting that a lack of organization contributed to the chaos. One anonymous witness recalled that Agidigbo FM broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat had initially requested 5,000 participants, but the turnout exceeded expectations, causing the disarray.

An eyewitness, who claimed to have lost a child, recounted that rather than receiving proper attention, the organizers seemed focused on controlling the crowd. One parent, grieving the loss of their child, was seen at Patnas Hospital in Basorun, where some victims were treated. The administrative officer at the hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, confirmed that six children were admitted; five died, while one survived and was discharged.

In a statement, Agidigbo FM expressed its deep sympathy for the victims and clarified that, while it was a media partner for the event, it was not the organizer. The station explained that it had made efforts to raise awareness about overcrowding once it realized the scale of the situation.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also expressed his condolences via a tweet and assured the public that measures were being taken to prevent further casualties. He confirmed that security personnel, medical staff, and ambulances were deployed to the scene, and the event was halted, with attendees escorted from the premises.