Olori Naomi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is facing intense scrutiny following a tragic incident linked to her recent charitable event. The mother of the crown prince, in partnership with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hazmat, organized a charity event aimed at feeding the less privileged on December 18th, 2024. Unfortunately, the event turned disastrous, resulting in the death of over 32 children due to a stampede.
The incident occurred at the Islamic High School Basorun, where families gathered for the charity event. Reports indicate that the stampede began when attendees rushed to gain access to the event, leading to chaos and tragedy. While provisions were made for 5,000 children, over 7,500 showed up, further contributing to the catastrophe. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic as people scrambled for the food.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that all measures were being taken to prevent further fatalities. Security personnel and medical teams were deployed to the venue, and the event was halted immediately. The Governor vowed that anyone responsible for the incident would be held accountable, urging citizens to remain calm as investigations continue.
Online reactions to the incident have been mixed, with many expressing sympathy for Olori Naomi while others questioned the responsibility for the tragedy. Some users expressed concern over the safety of large gatherings, while others highlighted the severity of the situation, particularly the emotional toll on Naomi, who organized the charity event with good intentions.
One social media user wrote, “Sad sad sad!!! May the genuineness of our hearts not lead us into trouble. Praying for the Queen and affected families.” Another added, “Make person good no go kill her o. It’s well. This is evidence that people are hungry in the country.”
In December 2022, Olori Naomi made headlines when she announced her separation from the Ooni after three years of marriage. Despite her divorce, she remains a public figure, and this latest incident has put her once again in the spotlight under tragic circumstances.