The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has shared his heartfelt condolences with his estranged wife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, following the tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 35 children in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The stampede occurred during a Christmas celebration for children at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. The event, which had been eagerly anticipated by many, turned into a nightmare as the crowd grew uncontrollably, leading to the deaths of numerous young children.
A Day of Joy Turns Into a Tragedy
Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, had been one of the main organisers of the festive party. The tragedy struck despite her efforts to make the event a joyous occasion for the children of Ibadan. Naomi, who has a history of organising charitable events for children, was instrumental in creating a fun atmosphere for young participants.
In the days leading up to the event, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, had also actively promoted the party, which was expected to bring festive cheer to the children. However, the party ended in disaster when the stampede took place.
Police Arrest Naomi and Seven Others
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the organisers of the ill-fated event had been arrested. In an official statement, Governor Makinde promised that those responsible for the tragedy would face the full force of the law.
The police have also confirmed the arrest of Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi along with seven other individuals in connection with the incident. The arrests have raised concerns among the public about the safety standards at such events and the responsibility of organisers to ensure the well-being of attendees.
Ooni of Ife Sends Condolences to Grieving Families
In response to the tragedy, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife issued a statement expressing deep sorrow for the families affected by the devastating loss. The statement, issued by the Ooni’s media aide Moses Olafare, extended condolences to the grieving families of the deceased children.
The Ooni’s statement read: “We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time.”
The monarch also reflected on Queen Naomi’s past contributions to children’s welfare. The Ooni acknowledged Naomi’s role in organising similar events during her time as queen, where she showed care and love for the children of Ile-Ife.
A History of Care for Children
Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi had long been known for her compassion towards children. During her time at the Ile Oodua as queen, she organised annual events aimed at bringing joy and assistance to children from indigent families. Her commitment to improving the lives of children was evident in the festive events she spearheaded each December.
“It was with a passion for children’s welfare that she executed these events, which provided succour to those in need,” the Ooni’s statement said.
The Ooni of Ife’s support for Naomi during this difficult time has been viewed as a sign of compassion, especially considering their estranged relationship.
A Call for Safety and Accountability
The Ooni of Ife’s statement also called for a review of safety standards at public events, especially those involving children. He emphasised the importance of following child welfare policies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss,” the Ooni’s statement declared.
Furthermore, the palace called for immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The statement urged educational institutions and event organisers to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to established protocols for crowd management.
Condemnation of Sensationalism by Bloggers
While offering condolences, the Ooni of Ife also expressed disappointment over the actions of some bloggers who sensationalised the incident. He urged the media to uphold journalistic integrity in times of tragedy.
“We would want to express dismay at the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalise the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity,” the statement noted.
The Ooni’s criticism of certain media outlets highlights the ongoing struggle between sensationalism and responsible reporting, especially in the wake of such tragic events.
A Collective Responsibility for Change
The statement from the Ooni of Ife also called on all stakeholders, including government officials, the media, and citizens, to come together in a spirit of compassion and constructive dialogue.
“We encourage all stakeholders, from government officials to the media and citizens, to unite in compassion and constructive dialogue,” the statement read.
The Ooni’s words reflect a broader call for unity in the face of adversity. He urged that the memories of the children who died be honoured by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in Nigerian communities.
Reactions from the Public
The public has been shocked and saddened by the scale of the tragedy. Many have expressed their condolences to the affected families, while others have called for a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede.
Residents of Ibadan have also voiced their concerns over the safety of public events, with many questioning the preparedness of organisers and authorities to handle such large crowds.
A Community Mourns
As the news of the tragedy continues to reverberate, the families of the deceased children are left to cope with an unimaginable loss. The death of 35 young lives during what was supposed to be a celebration has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability in public event planning.
Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims has offered some hope, but the community is left wondering what could have been done to prevent such a catastrophic incident.
The Ooni of Ife’s response, while compassionate, has highlighted the need for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. His call for stricter safety measures at events involving children is one that many hope will be heeded in the coming months.
