Ibadan Tragedy:  Police Arrests Queen Naomi, Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Confirm 35 Dead

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Police Command has released the number of fatalities in Wednesday’s stampede at a Children’s Christmas party in Ibadan. 35 people made of children and teenagers were crushed to death.

The stampede for gifts by the children at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday, happened during a funfair packaged by a Radio Station and some individuals.

The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement on Thursday, said that six persons were injured and were receiving treatment in a medical facility

In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Among those in police custody are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six other individuals.

“Following the tragic stampede on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals for their roles in the incident.

“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

“So, also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.

“Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathizes with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the State that Justice will be served accordingly.”