Police arrest Ooni’s ex-wife over Ibadan stampede as death toll hits 35

The police command in Oyo has arrested Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, and seven others in connection with the stampede at carnival in Ibadan.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan.

The event, which was organised by the Wings Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports women and girls, was meant to cater to 5,000 attendees.

The flier for the event reads: “Children Funfair with Queen/Prophetess Naomi Silekunola O”.

In a statement on Thursday, Osifeso Adewale, Oyo police spokesperson, said 35 children have died as a result of the incident and six persons were “critically injured”.

Osifeso added that Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of school where the event took place, was among those  arrested over the incident.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

The command also sympathised with the families affected by the tragedy and assured them that justice will be served.