The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the children who tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a funfair event held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, drawing widespread mourning and calls for accountability.
The tragic event occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, and was organized by Wings Foundation, a charitable organization owned by the monarch’s ex-wife, Naomi Silekunola. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that the stampede claimed the lives of 35 children and left several others injured, casting a dark shadow over what was intended to be a joyful occasion.
In an official statement released by the monarch's spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni of Ife expressed profound sympathy for the grieving families and extended his condolences to the Oyo State Government. He also assured his unwavering support to all efforts aimed at helping the victims and their families recover from the devastating incident.
The monarch stood in solidarity with his ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, who has faced scrutiny following the tragedy. The Ooni defended her intentions and long-standing dedication to charitable causes, highlighting her history of organizing similar events during her time as queen in Ile-Ife. He emphasized her genuine care and compassion for children, which were evident in her efforts to bring joy to less privileged children during festive periods.
Ooni of Ife’s Statement on the Tragic Stampede
The monarch’s statement read, “We share in the grief and pain that have engulfed the affected families during this heartbreaking time. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“While in Ile Oodua as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi consistently demonstrated her deep love and care for children through various initiatives. She passionately organized events to provide succor to children of indigent parents every December, creating memories of joy and hope.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges its full support to initiatives aimed at bringing solace and healing to the families and individuals affected by this tragic incident. This devastating event also serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational and public spaces to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
The Ooni of Ife also condemned the sensationalism surrounding the tragedy, particularly by some bloggers and media outlets. He called for responsible reporting and a collective focus on finding solutions rather than propagating divisive narratives.
“This is a time for solemn reflection and collective responsibility. It is disheartening to witness the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalize this tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity. We must prioritize compassion and constructive dialogue to address the challenges at hand.
“The House of Oduduwa encourages all stakeholders—government officials, media practitioners, and citizens alike—to unite in fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability within our communities. Let us honor the memories of the departed by taking meaningful actions that promote safety and well-being for all,” the statement concluded.
The monarch reiterated his commitment to working with relevant authorities to support the affected families and prevent such tragedies from recurring. The statement has been widely applauded for its compassion and focus on addressing the root causes of the unfortunate incident.