Ibadan Stampede as Ooni of Ife’s Ex-Wife Queen Naomi Collapses in Police Custody – Shocking Details Emerge

On December 18, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 35 children and injuries to six others. The event, held at Islamic High School in the Bashorun district, was organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo FM. The funfair, intended for 5,000 children, attracted over 7,500 attendees, leading to overcrowding and a fatal stampede.

In the aftermath, the Oyo State Police Command detained eight individuals, including Prophetess Naomi and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, for questioning regarding the event’s organization and the ensuing tragedy. During her detention on December 20, Prophetess Naomi reportedly collapsed and was promptly transported to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical treatment. Hamzat also required medical attention and was admitted to the same facility.

The incident has prompted a comprehensive investigation led by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to determine the circumstances that led to the overcrowding and subsequent stampede. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough probe into the tragedy and expressed condolences to the affected families. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and defended his ex-wife, highlighting her history of organizing charitable events without prior incidents.

This devastating event has cast a shadow over the festive season in Ibadan, raising concerns about event safety protocols and crowd control measures. The community mourns the loss of young lives, and authorities are under pressure to implement stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.