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Ooni’s ex-wife, school principal, 6 others arrested
By Oluseye Ojo
Thirty-five children have been documented dead and another six critically injured following the stampede that occurred at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodele Sonubi, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso.
Besides, the command has arrested the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola; the principal of Islamic High School Bashorun, Fasasi Abdulahi; and six others in connection with the children’s funfair that led to the stampede.
The statement, entitled ‘Re: Ibadan Children’s Funfair Tragedy’, read in part: “Sequel to the stampede incident recorded on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the state that eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.”
“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola (female, age 31); Fasasi Abdulahi (male, age 56, School Principal, Islamic High School, Ibadan); Genesis Christopher (male, age 24); Tanimowo Moruf (male, age 52); Anisolaja Olabode (male, age 42); Idowu Ibrahim (male, age 35); and Abiola Oluwatimilehin (male, age 25).”
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead, while six others are critically injured and are receiving various medical interventions.”
The police said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department leading the investigations.
“So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness a high level of patrols and visible police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation,” Sonubi stated.
The command, however, sympathised with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assured “the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly.”
The children’s funfair, as publicised by the organisers, aimed to cater for 5,000 people. Available information stated that about 20,000 stormed the venue.
The programme was to be held on Wednesday morning. However, more than 5,000 people, including children, were already at the venue before 5 am on Tuesday. Thousands of people reportedly stormed the venue on Tuesday evening and slept over at the venue.