Ibadan Funfair: Ooni of Ife Ex-Wife Queen Naomi Collapses in Police Custody, Details Emerge
35 Children Dead, 6 Injured in Ibadan Funfair Incident
GoldenNewsNg earlier reported that a tragic event at a children’s funfair in Ibadan had claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred during an end-of-year gathering held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, which Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster organized. Read Details here
The funfair which was planned for 5,000 children, attracted over 7,500 attendees, leading to overcrowding and chaos. Witnesses reported a struggle at the venue’s gate as the large crowd attempted to gain entry, resulting in children being trampled in the rush.
Prophetess Naomi Hospitalized During Investigation
Following the above report, Prophetess Naomi, who is under police investigation, reportedly collapsed while being questioned at the Force Headquarters in Ibadan. She was immediately rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for medical attention.
In connection to the tragedy, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals, including Prophetess Naomi and the Principal of Islamic High School. The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further examination, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
President Tinubu and Ooni of Ife React
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to thoroughly investigate its cause. He emphasized the importance of determining whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the disaster.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased children. He pledged to support efforts aimed at bringing healing and comfort to those affected.
Public Outcry
The tragic event has sparked outrage and mourning across the nation, with calls for accountability and improved safety measures at public gatherings. Videos from the aftermath of the stampede show the road leading to the venue littered with children’s shoes, caps, and clothes, serving as a grim reminder of the chaos.
The Oyo State Police Command continues its investigation into the incident. The nation grapples with the scale of the loss and seeks ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
