The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed profound sympathy to the families of children who tragically lost their lives during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the monarch’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, said, “We share in the grief and pain that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time.”
The incident, which occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, left at least 35 people dead following a stampede at a family event organized by Wings Foundation. The foundation is owned by Naomi Ogunseyi, a former queen of the Ooni’s Palace.
Following the tragedy, the police have detained Naomi Ogunseyi and seven others for their roles in the event. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, where a Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the investigation.
The Ooni’s Palace also extended condolences to the Oyo State Government and emphasized solidarity with the former queen. The Palace described Naomi as someone who genuinely cared for children, having organized similar events during her time as queen.
“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,” the statement noted.
The Palace pledged to support efforts to provide solace and healing to those affected by the tragedy. It also called for urgent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing the importance of safety standards and child welfare policies.
In addition, the Palace criticized some bloggers for sensationalizing the tragedy, urging them to uphold journalistic integrity.
“The House of Oduduwa encourages 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 concluded.