Former husband of Queen Naomi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has displayed solidarity with the former queen, saying she genuinely cares for children and has organised similar events in Osun State when she was his queen
The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children whose lives were lost at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
“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’s spokesman Moses Olafare said in a statement on Thursday.
At least 35 persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace, Naomi Ogunseyi.
The police have arrested the ex-wife of the monarch and seven others for their various involvements in the funfair.
The police said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
Ooni’s spokesman expressed sympathy with the Government of Oyo State and the families of the children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.
Ooni Speaks On Ex Queen’s Love For Kids
The Palace also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying Queen Naomi genuinely cared for children and organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.
The Palace spokesman said, “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 periods like this.
“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.”
How Ooni’s ex-wife, Naomi was arrested
Meanwhile, on Thursday, December 19, the Oyo state police command confirmed the arrest of Naomi Ogunseyi, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, the principal of the Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi, and six others in connection to the death of the children.
Olubadan Mourns Too
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has reacted to the death of over 30 children at a funfair in Ibadan.
Oba Olakulehin urged Governor Seyi Makinde to conduct a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.
The traditional ruler said the investigation is necessary to prevent future occurrences and hold the culprits accountable.
The funfair was organised by Queen Naomi and an estimate of 5000 children were targeted to be in attendance
The event which was promoted by an Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM, aimed at benefitting 5,000 children with promises of N5,000 cash gifts and free meals.
Investigations showed that the victims were stampeded to death while trying to break through the main gate of the school.
It was further gathered that provision was made for 5,000 children but the number that turned up for the event was reportedly over 7, 500.