Police have arrested Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six other individuals over a stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday, December 18.
The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that 35 minors have lost their lives in the very ugly incident while six persons are injured and receiving treatment in a medical facility.
Seven individuals have been taken into custody in relation to the event, according to a statement released by Adewale Osifeso, the spokesperson for the Command.
“Following the tragic stampede on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals for their roles in the incident.
“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
“So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.
“Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the State that justice will be served accordingly.”
In an earlier statement on Wednesday, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children whose lives were lost at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time,” the monarch’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, said in a statement on Thursday.
Ooni’s spokesman expressed sympathy with the government of Oyo State and the families of the children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.
The palace also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying she genuinely cared for children and organized similar events in Osun State when she was queen.
The palace spokesman said, “While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and care to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events that she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December period like this.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.
“The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasising the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.”
“While the situation calls for solemn reflection and collective responsibility, we would want to express dismay at the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalise the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity.
“The House of Oduduwa encourages all stakeholders, from government officials to the media and citizens, to unite in compassion and constructive dialogue. Let us honour the memories of the departed by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in our communities,” the statement added.
