Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: 35 Dead, Ooni's Ex-Queen Detained as Tinubu Orders Probe

By Achimi muktar

Tragedy struck at a children’s funfair in Ibadan when a stampede claimed the lives of 35 minors and left six others critically injured. The event, organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, alongside broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, spiraled into chaos as an overwhelming crowd flooded the Islamic High School venue in Basorun.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the detention of Prophetess Silekunola, 31, and six others, including the school’s principal and event staff, as investigations into the heartbreaking incident intensify.

Chaos at the Funfair

Originally planned for 5,000 children, the event saw an unprecedented turnout of over 7,500 attendees. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as participants surged towards the locked gates, leading to the deadly stampede. Survivors recounted the terror, with some parents arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. and enduring the chaos to secure a place for their children.

One survivor, Iya Ayomide, said, “For almost five minutes, I couldn’t see my daughter. About five people had already trampled on her. I bit through the crowd to rescue her. It’s a decision I deeply regret.”

Another parent, speaking through tears, lamented, “It was a terrible experience. I didn’t know if I was alive or not. My child survived, but I will never forget the trauma.”

Detention and Investigation

The Oyo State Police Command revealed that those detained include Prophetess Silekunola and six others, aged between 25 and 56. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough inquiry.

Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso assured the public of justice and urged residents to remain calm amidst heightened patrols in the area. “The tragedy is deeply regrettable. We are committed to ensuring accountability and preventing such incidents in the future,” Osifeso said.

Tinubu, Ooni, and Others React

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the incident and directed a thorough investigation. “Our children’s safety is paramount. No event should compromise their well-being,” Tinubu stated. He also called for stricter safety regulations and a review of public event protocols.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, joined in mourning the victims, offering prayers for the bereaved families and survivors. The Ooni’s palace expressed solidarity with Silekunola, recalling her past charitable initiatives for children, while urging improved safety measures for future events.

Organiser Hospitalised

Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, co-organiser of the funfair, reportedly collapsed from the shock of the tragedy and is currently hospitalised. A statement from his team clarified that Agidigbo FM, his radio station, was only a media partner and not the event organiser.

Grief and Reflection

Parents of the victims have begun retrieving their children’s bodies from hospitals across Ibadan, grappling with an unbearable loss. The tragedy has sparked widespread calls for better crowd management, stricter adherence to safety standards, and more responsible event planning to prevent such heartbreak from recurring.

As the nation mourns, the Ibadan funfair tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding lives, especially those of the most vulnerable.