The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children who died at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
Recall the Oyo State Police Command had confirmed at least 35 persons dead in a stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation owned by a former Queen, Naomi Silekunola.
In a statement on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said the ex-queen and seven others had been arrested for their various involvements in the funfair.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the monarch’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, said Oba Ogunwusi expressed sympathy with the Government of Oyo State and the families of children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.
The monarch also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying she genuinely cared for children and organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.
Oba Ogunwusi also pledged to support all efforts to bring solace and healing to those affected by the deaths.
