Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: IG Launches Probe as Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised

The tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children at a funfair in Ibadan has sparked widespread outcry, prompting the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to personally oversee investigations into the incident.

The stampede occurred as attendees scrambled to enter the event, reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, alongside Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat. While initially planned for 5,000 children, the turnout exceeded 7,500, leading to chaos. Six injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, while 35 children tragically lost their lives.

Following her arrest, Prophetess Naomi reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, for treatment. Hamzat, the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, was also admitted to the same hospital. Confirming the situation, a senior hospital worker noted that the facility was under police lockdown due to the sensitivity of the case. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of eight individuals connected to the event, while a top police source revealed that the Inspector General has taken direct control of the case. Efforts to obtain further comments from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were declined.

Agidigbo FM House, one of the co-hosts of the event, has been shut down. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission, while the University College Hospital, Ibadan, reported five confirmed fatalities. The Oyo State Government has taken responsibility for the medical bills of survivors and is coordinating the response efforts.

In response to the tragedy, the Oyo State Government issued a directive requiring stringent safety measures for all end-of-year public events. Governor Seyi Makinde, calling the incident “painful, unfortunate, and preventable,” canceled his December 25 birthday celebrations as a mark of respect for the victims. He pledged to spend the day in quiet reflection.

Political and public figures, including the South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, expressed their condolences. The PDP attributed the tragedy to economic hardships that pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children but commended the state government’s rescue and investigative efforts. Fayemi described the incident as a heartbreaking shadow over the Christmas season and extended prayers for the injured and grieving families.