Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Queen Naomi Hospitalized Following Tragic Incident That Claimed 35 Lives

Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, has been hospitalized following a stampede during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, which left 35 children dead and six others injured.

The incident, which occurred at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, unfolded as over 7,500 attendees, far exceeding the planned 5,000, scrambled for access to the event. Organized by Prophetess Naomi and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat of ”Agidigbo FM”, the chaos resulted in fatalities and widespread injuries.

Reports confirm that Prophetess Naomi collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention. A senior hospital official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, verified her hospitalization, adding that she was admitted alongside Oriyomi Hamzat.

“She is responding to treatment,” the source stated, while emphasizing the sensitive nature of the case. Security has been tightened around the hospital, with police barricading the premises to control access.

The funfair, intended as a festive end-of-year event for children, turned tragic when the overwhelming turnout led to a deadly stampede. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the crowd surged forward in an attempt to secure food and gifts.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of eight individuals connected to the event. However, the case has been escalated to Abuja under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Hospital and Government Responses

Hospitals across Ibadan are managing the aftermath. At Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, four injured children remain under treatment, while the University College Hospital (UCH) reported five fatalities.

The Oyo State Government has issued directives for stricter safety protocols at public events, particularly those involving vulnerable groups such as children. Governor Seyi Makinde has canceled his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims, calling the incident a “preventable tragedy.”

A Nation in Mourning
As investigations continue into the Ibadan Stampede, just this morning, over 10 people has died in Abuja following a stampede at the Christmas Palliative sharing at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Maitama.  This adds another layer of complexity to an already harrowing incident. The tragedy has sparked widespread calls for improved crowd control measures and accountability from event organizers to prevent future occurrences.

ALSO READ: Oriyomi Hamzat Hospitalized After Ibadan Stampede That Claimed 35 Children’s Lives