Ruth Semilore
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has finally broken his silence about the stampede that claimed the lives of children at the funfair organised by his ex-wife, Queen Silekunola Naomi.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Yoruba monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, issued a statement in which he stated that the Ooni expressed his sympathies over the tragedy. Nigerians speak as Ooni of Ife reacts to stampede at ex-Queen Naomi’s Ibadan funfair.
It was earlier reported that 35 people lost their lives in the stampede that happened at the funfair’s venue, Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan and that the Ooni’s former wife, Queen Naomi, and other organisers had been taken in for questioning.
READ ALSO;UPDATE: Police arrest Ooni’s ex-wife over Ibadan stampede as death toll hits 35
The statement reads in part:
“The House of Oduduwa extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo state, the organisers; Agidigbo Radio owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, the Women in Need of Guidance and Support(WINGS) owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace; Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday. We share in the grief and pains that has engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them fortitude to bear this trying time.”
The Ooni showed solidarity with his former wife as it was explained that when Queen Naomi was still in the palace, she had organised similar events to take care of children to show her care.
“While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and cares to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December period like this.”
READ ALSO;UPDATE: 32 Feared Dead in Stampede at Christmas Funfair in Ibadan [READ FULL TRAGIC DETAILS]
The Ooni pledged to contribute to the efforts dedicated to bringing solace to all those affected by the tragic event.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss. The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions”, the statement reads.
