Ibadan stampede: police arrest Ooni’s ex-wife

Tragedy struck at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday, when a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the fatalities on Thursday, describing the incident as a preventable disaster caused by negligence.

In a statement, police spokesman Adewale Osifeso revealed that eight individuals, including Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, and the principal of the school, have been arrested. The event, organized by the Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM, reportedly lacked proper permissions and safety protocols, which contributed to the chaos.

The Oyo State Police Command assured the public of a thorough investigation and promised to hold those responsible accountable. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families,” Osifeso stated. Efforts are also underway to implement stricter safety regulations for public events to prevent future occurrences.

The tragedy has left the Ibadan community in mourning, with widespread calls for accountability. The police extended their condolences to the grieving families, urging event organizers to prioritize safety measures to protect lives at future gatherings.