The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the divorced wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and seven others in connection with the Christmas party stampede in Ibadan, Oyo, that left 35 children dead and others badly injured.
NewsNGR reported that tragedy struck on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, due to a stampede during a children’s Christmas celebration.
According to a statement by SP Osifeso Adewale, 35 children have been confirmed dead, with six more seriously injured.
Agidigbo FM, a commercial radio station, denied any role in the children’s party despite initial reports that the station organised the event.
The management said they were not sponsors or planners of the event. The organiser was identified as WINGS (Women In Need Of Guidance and Support), which was founded by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The police statement read, “Sequel to the stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.
“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.
“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) 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.
“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 sympathizes 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.”