By Prominent broadcaster and owner of Agidigbo FM, Hamzat Oriyomi, is reportedly in a coma following the tragic stampede that claimed at least 35 lives during a children’s event in Ibadan.
The broadcaster, whose station was the media partner for the ill-fated event, remains hospitalized amidst conflicting reports about the cause of his condition.
According to journalist, Kayode Badmus, sources close to the scene allege that Oriyomi was present when chaos erupted at Islamic High School, Basorun, and may have been physically affected in the stampede.
However, other accounts suggest that he collapsed from the shock of learning about the devastating loss of lives, particularly the young victims.
The event, organized by Queen Naomi Moronke Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, was meant to be a funfair for children but spiraled into tragedy. In the aftermath, Ogunwuyi and seven others have been arrested by the police for their roles in the disaster.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrests in a statement:
“Sequel to the stampede incident recorded at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, eight suspects, including the organizer of the event, have been apprehended and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.”
The suspects include Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of Islamic High School, and six other individuals who allegedly contributed to lapses in planning and crowd control at the event.
Meanwhile, Oriyomi’s condition has sparked concern among his supporters and the public. Agidigbo FM staff have declined to comment on his health, but sources close to the broadcaster say his recovery remains uncertain.
The stampede, which occurred on December 18, 2024, has left six children critically injured and ignited public outrage over the lack of safety measures at the event. The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, confirmed that five victims were brought in dead, with others receiving treatment at various medical facilities.
As investigations continue, grieving families and residents demand accountability for the tragedy. The Oyo State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough probe into the incident to ensure justice for the victims.
