Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Detained Ooni’s ex-queen hospitalised, IG heads probe
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the investigation into the tragic stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children lost their lives.
The incident occurred as attendees scrambled to access the venue of the event, reportedly organised by the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
In addition to the 35 fatalities, six others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The event, initially planned for 5,000 children, reportedly saw over 7,500 attendees, exacerbating the chaos that led to the stampede.
Prophetess Naomi, who was arrested by the police, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was immediately taken to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for medical attention.
A popular Ibadan journalist, Seun Aribikola, confirmed the development via a Facebook post, stating, “It is confirmed. But she is responding to treatment.”
According to hospital sources, Naomi was taken to the facility alongside the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat. “Both of them are currently at the hospital. They were brought in today. However, I can not provide further details as the matter is sensitive, and the police have barricaded the hospital,” a hospital staff member revealed.
The Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, earlier announced the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the incident. However, on Friday, a senior police source disclosed that the investigation had been transferred to the Inspector General’s office.
Efforts to get a response from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were unsuccessful.
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Meanwhile, Agidigbo FM House, one of the hosts of the ill-fated event, has reportedly been shut down.
The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission at the hospital.
Commenting on the casualties brought to the hospital, he said, “Some were brought dead. The government has already released the official number. I will only echo what has been announced. The children were brought in simultaneously, and the Commissioners of Health, Women Affairs, and the Commissioner of Police coordinated the response as a team.”
Allen-Taylor added that the government was covering the medical expenses, with all efforts being centrally managed.
Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed that five individuals were pronounced dead at their facility. However, she clarified that none of the bodies was taken to the hospital’s mortuary.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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