The Oyo state Police command says it has arrested the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunseyi, and seven others for their various involvements in the funfair which led to the tragic death of at least 35 minors.
Disclosing this in a statement on Thursday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, added that six others are critically injured.
TheFact Daily had reported that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School, as children scrambled for food, drinks and Christmas gifts. It was gathered also that the event was made available to 5,000 children but the number that turned up was reportedly over 7, 500.
Other arrested individuals include Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
Osifeso said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
Meanwhile, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the bereaved families.
“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time,” the monarch’s spokesman Moses Olafare said in a statement on Thursday.
The Palace also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying she genuinely cared for children and organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.
The Palace spokesman said, “While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and care to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods like this”.
While pledging to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by the devastating loss, the House of Oduduwa also called 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 also expressed dismay at “the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalize the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity”, and encouraged all stakeholders, from government officials to the media and citizens, to unite in compassion and constructive dialogue.
“Let us honour the memories of the departed by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in our communities,” the statement added.
