Ooni’s ex-wife, Naomi, others arrested as 35 die in Ibadan funfair stampede

The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday disclosed that eight persons have been arrested in connection with the Christmas funfair stampede that occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Those arrested included Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the primary sponsor of the event, along with Fasasi Abdulahi, the Principal of Islamic High School; Genesis Christopher; Tanimowo Moruf; Anisolaja Olabode, a staff member of Agidigbo FM; Idowu Ibrahim; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.

The tragic stampede occurred during a family event organised by the Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.

The event, intended as a funfair for children, turned into chaos, resulting in the deaths of 35 minors and leaving six others critically injured. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment at various facilities.

The police assured the public that the case was being treated with the utmost seriousness.

The investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police personally overseeing the process.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) detailed the roles of the individuals arrested: “Sequel to the stampede incident recorded on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, venue of the family event organized by Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the state that persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.

“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola (female), 31; Fasasi Abdulahi (male), 56, Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan; Genesis Christopher (male), 24; Tanimowo Moruf (male), 52; Anisolaja Olabode (male), 42; Idowu Ibrahim (male), 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin (male), 25.

“So far, 35 have been documented dead, while six others are critically injured and under various medical interventions.”

The Oyo State Police Command extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy: “We sympathise with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly.”

Authorities have assured residents of increased police presence and patrols in the affected area to prevent any potential disturbances or exploitation of the situation by criminal elements.

“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event,” the statement added.