An Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM has denied involvement in the ill-fated children’s festive party that tragically resulted in multiple deaths on Wednesday morning in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan when a stampede occurred during a children’s Christmas party.
The station’s management clarified they were not sponsors or organisers of the event, contrary to initial reports. It identified the organiser as WINGS (Women In Need Of Guidance and Support), whose founder is Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.
The exact number of fatalities and injuries is still unknown, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
Reacting in a press statement shared via his personal X profile, Governor Seyi Makinde also confirmed the multiple deaths during the stampede.
He added that the organisers of the event had been arrested and that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the tragedy.
Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, was a key organiser of the tragic children’s festive party. Additionally, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, had actively promoted the event in the days leading up to the devastating incident.
A press statement signed by Olayinka Abdul Wahab, Director of Programmes at Agidigbo FM and made available to SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening, however, denied the involvement of Oriyomi and its organisation in the planning of the event.
The statement reads: “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organized by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM, is the organizer of the children funfair, however, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organizer of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, use all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and public service announcement, from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organizers of the event also did all they can to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
This a very sad day for us all, however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM, for more information.”
“This is not the time to spread misinformation, the Management of Agidigbo FM, implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives,” it added.