The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed his condolences to the families of the children who tragically lost their lives in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Basorun, claimed at least 35 lives.
The funfair was organised by the Wings Foundation, owned by the monarch’s former queen, Naomi Ogunseyi, who, along with seven others, has been arrested by the police for their alleged roles in the tragedy.
The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, for further investigation under the supervision of a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ooni, through his spokesperson Moses Olafare, expressed solidarity with Naomi, recalling her dedication to children’s welfare during her time as queen in Ile-Ife. He also called for stricter safety standards to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“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 statement read.
The monarch noted that Naomi had previously organised similar events in Osun State with genuine care and love for children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The Ooni also urged immediate action to ensure adherence to safety protocols and child welfare policies at public events and institutions.
The statement added, “The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.
“The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.”
The monarch criticized some bloggers for sensationalizing the tragedy, urging all stakeholders, including the government, media, and citizens, to approach the matter with compassion and accountability.
“Let us honour the memories of the departed by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in our communities,” the Ooni concluded.
