Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Detained Ooni ‘s Ex-Queen, Agidigbo FM Boss Hospitalised ….As Makinde Cancels Birthday Celebration

Following the uproar sparked by the death of 35 children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken charge of investigations into the tragic incident.

The stampede occurred when participants rushed to gain access to the venue of the event reportedly organised by the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.

Apart from the 35 children who lost their lives in the stampede, six others who were injured were rushed to hospitals.

The event was said to have been initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up, worsening the tense situation.

The broadcast journalist said the ex-queen was taken to the hospital alongside the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Hamzat.

“It is confirmed. But she is responding to treatment,” he told Saturday PUNCH.

A senior staff member of the police hospital also confirmed the development to one of our correspondents.

“Both of them are currently at the hospital. They brought them in today. But I can’t give you further details because it is a sensitive matter and the police have barricaded the whole hospital,” the hospital worker said.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, had in a statement, said eight individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.

However, a top police source on Friday said the matter had been taken over by the IG.

The source said, “The IG is now in charge of the case. Anything you want, I think you should call Abuja.”

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has cancelled his birthday celebration which is scheduled to hold on December 25.

His spokesperson, Dotun Oyelade in a statement said there won’t be any celebration of sort on December 25th anniversary birthday of the Governor.

According to him, the Governor will remain indoor on that day in honour of the children that died during the stampede at the funfair.