The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of children who met their untimely demise at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
According to the mornach's spokesperson he said, “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.”
A tragic stampede has claimed the lives of at least thirty-five people at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, which hosted a family event organized by Wings Foundation, an organization founded by Naomi Ogunseyi, a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace.
The police have arrested the former wife of the monarch and seven others for their various involvements in the funfair.
According to the police, the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, under the leadership of a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the investigation.
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.”
