The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also issued a response to the situation.
This action follows the unfortunate deaths of several children during a stampede that occurred at the funfair on Wednesday. Naomi Silekunola has been identified as the primary organizer of the event. The funfair took place at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, which was intended to host 5,000 children; however, investigations revealed that attendance exceeded 7,500.
A report released on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, indicated that the death toll from the stampede has now reached 35, with six more individuals reported to have sustained serious injuries.
Osifeso also mentioned that the event was coordinated by Wings Foundation in collaboration with Agidigbo FM, a local radio station that acted as the media partner for the event.
Among those apprehended were Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions.
“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,” the statement read partly.
Law enforcement has assured nearby residents of increased patrols and a heightened police presence to deter criminal activity in response to the recent incident.
“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.”
Multiple eyewitness accounts indicate that a stampede resulted from attendees rushing to enter the event venue, which was organized by Silekunola and Agidigbo FM broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.
An eyewitness at the scene of the event, who craved anonymity, said in a video, “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants but because we were not organised, that was why the situation got to this. We were not even up to 5,000 participants.”
“Rather than attend to us very well, they wanted to fight us. We just lost one child who has been taken to the University College Hospital,” said another participant (names withheld) who claimed to have lost a child.
Patnas Hospital's Administrative Officer, Ms. Olufeyemi Tolulope, reported that six children arrived at the Basorun facility shortly after 8:00 AM following an incident. Five succumbed to their injuries, while one remains under observation.
“We were told that the deceased fainted at the venue of the event. We were able to rescue one while the remaining five died. The surviving child has been discharged and released to her parents.
“One of the parents of the deceased, who was sighted at the hospital premises wailing, said, “I did not bargain for what happened to me. We slept together at home yesterday (Tuesday) not knowing that it would be the last time. My daughter is not dead. Please doctor wake her up.”
Hamzat Broadcasting Station management, in a statement issued by Director of Programmes Olayinka Abdulwahab, expressed sympathy for the victims. Although the station was a media partner, not the event organizer, management proactively addressed the overcrowding concerns upon recognizing the situation.
It said, among others, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS Foundation, with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds is that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.”
On Wednesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased via a tweet on X. He stated that measures have been implemented to prevent further fatalities at the location by deploying security personnel to maintain order.
“We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
Meanwhile, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has issued a response regarding the tragic deaths of 35 children in a stampede that took place during a festive event in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Moses Olafare, the esteemed monarch extended his condolences to the families mourning the loss of their children at the celebration.
He wrote: “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.
“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 which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods 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, emphasizing 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 sensationalize 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.