CITIZENS COMPASS– Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, reportedly collapsed on weekend, following the sudden deaths of over 30 children at a Yuletide funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State capital within the week.
Citizen Compass reports that the former queen collapsed during investigation into the cause of the tragedy as she was believed to be the key sponsor of the fundair.
Reports had it that the stampede occurred while she was distributing the gifts among the attendees who were mostly children.
The turnout of the attendees was said to have surpassed the expectation of the organisers after the event was well publicised.
The former queen was immediately rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for urgent medical attention.
According to reports, she was detained alongside popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, who co-hosted the ill-fated event. A hospital staff member confirmed their arrival but withheld further details, citing the sensitivity of the matter and the heavy police presence around the facility.
The tragedy has prompted swift action from law enforcement, with eight people arrested so far. The Inspector General of Police has taken over the investigation, signaling the gravity of the situation.
In the wake of the disaster, Agidigbo FM, one of the event organisers, has been shut down. The Oyo State Government has also introduced stricter safety measures for public gatherings, particularly those involving children.
The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had expressed condolences to the affected families.
In honor of the victims, he canceled his planned December 25 birthday celebration.
The incident has left families and the community in mourning, while the investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies in the future.
—Additional information from The Punch
