Founder of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, debunks rumour making the rounds that his organisation was one of the sponsors of the children’s party that led to the death of many kids and adults in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital
Oriyomi Hamzat Denies Sponsoring Queen Naomi
The management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Oyo State founded by Oriyomi Hamzat has expressed sorrow over the stampede that occurred during a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
In a press release signed by the station’s director of programmes Olayinka AbdulWahab on Wednesday, Agidigbo FM clarified that it was not the organiser of the event but a media partner responsible for its promotion.
The event, which was organised by Queen Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, turned tragic with over 35 children killed in a stempede, which occurred before the party started.
Sources revealed that the situation spiraled out of control around 6 a.m. when the organizers announced that the 5,000-attendee limit had been reached. In response, the agitated crowd surged forward, leading to a deadly stampede that left many children dead on the spot and others injured.
The station extended condolences to the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, Agidigbo FM authorities said in a statement read, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organisers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
“This is a very sad day for us all; however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM for more information.
“This is not the time to spread misinformation. The management of Agidigbo FM implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives.
“Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience any tragic experience.”
Several children reportedly died in the stampede.
The event was organised by Queen Naomi, former wife of the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, through her foundation WINGS.
Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Patnas Specialist Hospital, Best Western Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH), all in Ibadan.
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, four children were confirmed dead on arrival, while one survivor remained in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.
The chaotic scene also disrupted traffic along the Basorun axis, with thousands of attendees, mainly women and children, seen walking long distances. A distraught mother was spotted wailing after losing her 7-year-old son in the tragedy.