The Oyo State Police Command has arrested Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in connection with a tragic stampede that occurred at a children’s carnival she organized in Ibadan.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, resulted in the loss of 35 young lives, with six additional children critically injured and receiving medical attention.

Naomi, 31, was taken into custody along with seven others, including the 56-year-old principal of the school, Fasasi Abdulahi, for their alleged roles in the tragedy. According to the police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, “eight persons have been arrested for their various involvements” in the event.

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The police have launched an investigation into the incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The Oyo Police Command has expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and has provided contact numbers for emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Police have confirmed that 35 children lost their lives in the incident, while six others were critically injured.

According to a statement made available by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso on Thursday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

The police stated that the event was organised by Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.
The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.

The Oyo State Police Command expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that everything is being done to prevent such incidents in the future.