Soun sad, condoles Makinde, Olubadan, parents over Ibadan funfair tragedy

Soun sad, condoles Makinde, Olubadan, parents over Ibadan funfair tragedy

Kunle OYELEYE

The Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege 111 has expressed grief over the unfortunate narratives culminating in the death of over 35 minors during a children’s funfair carnival in Ibadan Wednesday.

The monarch consequently sent condolences to the Oyo state governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin Owolabi and the parents and families of the deceased minors, praying such tragedy will not reoccur in the state and for God to grant all, the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses..

This is contained in a statement signed by the monarch and made available by Rev’d Peter Olaleye, special assistant to the Oba on media and community relations.

Recall the event, organized by a former wife Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja III, Queen Naomi Silekunola, led to a stampede causing the death of at least 35 minors with many others injured and receiving medical care.

“It is a moment of grief for me and all indigenes and residents of Ogbomosoland hearing the unfortunate incident that resulted in losses of lives in Ibadan on Wednesday. It is heartrending and unfortunate. At this moment of grief, I condole Governor Oluseyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin Owolabi and empathize with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwus, whose queen organized the eventi.”

The monarch prayed for “divine intervention and protection over the ancient city of Ibadan,” enjoining them “to take heart, God shall grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. We will never witness such a thing again.”

The Soun similarly admonished parents and families of the victims “to be comforted divinely, God in His infinite mercies shall comfort you and you shall rise again and have joy. Everything that happens is to the knowledge of the almighty God.”

Meanwhile, he pleaded with medical personnel to intensify efforts in caring for the injured “so as to save more lives. I wish the victims a quick recovery.”

The Oba of Ogbomoso, who is currently celebrating his first coronation anniversary and hosting an elaborate carnival, thanked Governor Makinde and other stakeholders for their prompt responses and interventions when the emergency arose.

“At this juncture, I need to convey my gratitude to the governor and all stakeholders for their speedy responses to the emergency and intervention. This helped to avert further casualties. That is what a leader who is empathetic and who loves his people will do in such circumstances. It is quintessential Governor Makinde. “

While also praising security personnel for preventing hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to start looting and cause an escalation, he urged organisers of such events to be more proactive and take all necessary precautions in the future.

And to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ghandi declared, “Kabiyesi Ooni, Queen Sikeola, things happen, we are like clay in the hand of God our creator, so, in all things let’s give thanks to God. It is my prayer this challenging period shall be overcome in Jesus name.”

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