The House of Oduduwa, Ooni Palace, Ile Ife on Thursday sympathized with the Oyo state government and the families of the 35′ minors that died in the Wednesday Ibadan Children funfair stampede.
In a statement made available to journalists by the Director, Media and Public Affairs,Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the House of Oduduwa also commiserated with the organisers Agidigbo Radio, the Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace; Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi,
According to the statement, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria.
“The House of Oduduwa extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo state, the organisers; Agidigbo Radio owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, the Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace; Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday,” it said.
The statement added, “We share in the grief and pains that has engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them fortitude to bear this trying time. We also express our solidarity with the government of Oyo State as they navigate this difficult moment especially Mr Governor’s commendable responsiveness.”
Emphasizing that the tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria, the statement stressed, “While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and cares to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods like this.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.”
Advocating for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the statement emphasized the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.
“While the situation calls for solemn reflection and collective responsibility, we would want to express dismay at the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalise the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity,” It said.
According to the House of Oduduwa, “The dissemination of unverified and distorted information has only compounded the grief of the families and individuals directly affected. We urge all media practitioners to exercise restraint, compassion, and professionalism in reporting sensitive issues, as their narratives significantly influence public perception and healing processes”.