CITIZENS COMPASS– The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday, said it has arrested Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The arrest was borne out of the tragic death off many children at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The former queen was said to be one of the organisers of the funfair on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan where no fewer than 32 children died with six others critically injured.
Spokesperson for the Command, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement stated that “eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements” in the event.”
“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.”
The stampede has sparked an investigation, which has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.
Osifeso assured the public that “justice will be served accordingly” and emphasized that police patrols would be heightened in the area to maintain security and prevent unrest.
Meanwhile, the African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State chapter, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic deaths of the 32 children.
In a statement signed by Kayode Babayomi, Chairperson, AAC Oyo State Chapter, the party said, “The African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State chapter, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic deaths of the 32 children in a stampede that occurred in Ibadan on December 18 2024, during an event where they struggled to receive Christmas gifts from the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this heartbreaking incident. This tragedy highlights the numerous avoidable deaths we have witnessed in Oyo State.
“We condemn the event’s organizers, partners, government institutions, and sponsors for their negligence regarding the welfare and safety of the attendees. They failed to implement adequate security measures to manage such a large crowd. It is clear that the organizers do not understand the material conditions faced by many in our community; calling for freebies or giveaways in this context leads to an inevitable overflow of people, especially given the current economic struggles faced by numerous families in Nigeria.
“This incident serves as a testament to the failure of the current government, as well as successive governments, in adequately protecting the lives and well-being of the people. We emphasize that the Seyi Makinde-led government must take full responsibility for this incident instead of offering vague responses. The government must ensure the safety of its citizens.
“We demand that the organizers and all collaborators of the event be held accountable. Those responsible for this tragedy, including those involved in similar events, must not be allowed to evade responsibility, and the deaths of these 32 children must not be swept under the carpet as usual.
“Finally, we assert that the root cause of this tragedy lies in poor governance and irresponsible conduct by the government leaving the mass of our people in abject poverty and with no choice than struggling and fighting to win giveaways, resulting in stampede. They should not shirk their responsibilities and expect the citizens to bear the burden alone.”
