The Oyo State Police Command has detained Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, alongside six others, as investigations deepen into the devastating stampede that occurred at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.

The tragic event, held on Wednesday at Islamic High School, Basorun, claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured. Organized by the Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation (WINGS)—founded by Silekunola—in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, the funfair quickly spiraled out of control as the crowd overwhelmed the venue.

Designed to host 5,000 attendees, the event saw a turnout of over 7,500, resulting in chaos and heartbreak.

In a statement, Adewale Osifeso, the Police Public Relations Officer for Oyo State, confirmed the detention of Silekunola and others, including Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school where the funfair was held. The detainees, aged between 25 and 52, are currently being interrogated by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“Tragically, 35 children lost their lives in the stampede, while six others are in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care,” Osifeso revealed. He reassured the public that justice would prevail and promised enhanced police presence to maintain order in the affected area.

This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about crowd control and event safety protocols. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: