The Oyo State Police Command has arrested Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and seven others following a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where over 7,500 children reportedly attended an event meant for 5,000 participants. The event, organised by Wings Foundation in collaboration with media partner Agidigbo FM, lacked proper safety measures, according to police investigations.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrests on Thursday. Among those detained were the school’s principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, and individuals identified as Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and receiving medical treatment,” Osifeso stated. He added that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Iyaganku, with a Deputy Commissioner of Police leading the investigation.
The police assured residents of high-level patrols around the area to prevent criminal activities and promised to ensure justice for the victims.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed his condolences via his X handle, stating, “We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents and medical personnel. 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.”
Agidigbo FM, in a statement signed by its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, distanced itself from the organisation of the funfair. The statement read, “Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote it. We sympathise with the families of the victims and share in their grief over this tragedy.”
The Oyo State Police Command also extended its condolences to the affected families and promised to prevent such incidents in the future.
