41 casualties reported after stampede at Olori Naomi’s charity event
The Oyo State Police have confirmed that a charity event organized by Olori Naomi, the former queen, ended in disaster due to overcrowding, resulting in a stampede that claimed 35 lives and left six people critically injured.
This tragedy followed the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with the Principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi, and six others, after the stampede occurred at a funfair in Ibadan on December 18, 2024.
Adewale Osifeso, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the event was originally planned for 5,000 children, but investigations revealed that over 7,500 people attended, causing the venue to be overcrowded.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and have promised that anyone responsible will be held accountable under the law.
The tragic event has sparked a public outcry, with many calling for stricter rules on large public events to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Governor Seyi Makinde has assured that the government will ensure accountability and provide support to the victims’ families, emphasizing their commitment to public safety.
