32 Children Confirmed Dead in Ibadan Stampede: Ooni’s Ex-Wife Queen Naomi Arrested

Tragedy struck on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a children’s carnival held at Bashorun Islamic High School in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a stampede claimed the lives of 32 children and left several others injured. The event, meant to bring joy to families, quickly turned into a chaotic scene, with reports of overcrowding and inadequate security measures.

Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, issued a statement detailing the state’s swift response to the tragedy:

“A stampede occurred at the private children’s funfair held at Bashorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today. The State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident. Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.”

Oyelade further advised parents concerned about their children’s whereabouts to visit specific hospitals in Ibadan for information:

“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification. The medical facilities are Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).”

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and provided an update on the government’s actions:

“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.”

Makinde assured the public that investigations were underway and that those responsible would be held accountable:

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organizers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure all residents of Oyo State that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. I urge everyone to remain calm as security agencies investigate the incident.”

Overcrowding and Lack of Security Blamed

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the stampede occurred when the crowd surged toward the venue’s main gate. Organizers had planned for 5,000 children, but the event attracted nearly 8,000 attendees.

Omolewa Azeez, who attended with her 7-year-old son, described the chaotic scene:

“Many people fell and were trampled, while others fainted due to the intense pressure of the crowd. Some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue. I arrived at 6 a.m. to meet a crowd trying to force themselves into the premises of the carnival as there were not enough security personnel at the scene.”

The carnival was organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat. A social media post by Agidigbo FM on Tuesday had announced the event:

“Founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, Her Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in the Kunle Hamzat studio, ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair. Speaking during a special programme on Agidigbo FM, Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunswusi is set to host 5,000 kids between the ages of 0–13 years across Ibadan for free under the aegis of (WINGS) foundation.”

The post further detailed the event’s offerings:

“Olori Naomi Ogunwusi revealed that the event, scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, is strictly for children and they will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts. Olori Ogunwusi also assured parents and guardians of adequate security for all participants of the event.”

Despite these assurances, attendees reported a severe lack of security personnel, contributing to the tragedy.

UPDATE: Queen Naomi and 7 others in Police Custody

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Silekunola, along with seven others, in connection with the tragic stampede.

In a statement issued today December 19 by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adewale Osifeso, the police confirmed the arrests of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, and seven other individuals, including Fasasi Abdulahi, 56 (the school principal); Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.

The statement reads:

“Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.

“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31 years old; Fasasi Abdulahi, 56 years old (School Principal, Islamic High School, Ibadan); Genesis Christopher, 24 years old; Tanimowo Moruf, 52 years old; Anisolaja Olabode, 42 years old; Idowu Ibrahim, 35 years old; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25 years old.

“So far, (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions.”

The police spokesperson added that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigation.

“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations,” the statement concluded.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has vowed to hold all those involved accountable, reiterating that necessary measures have been taken to prevent a recurrence.

This report will be updated as new information becomes available.