The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye), the apex umbrella body representing Yoruba people globally, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in three stampedes across Nigeria. These incidents occurred in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, claiming the lives of at least 67 individuals, including children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable people.
The first incident unfolded on Wednesday at a children’s Christmas carnival organized by Her Majesty, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in Ibadan, where 35 people tragically died in a stampede. Barely days later, on Saturday, December 21, a similar tragedy struck at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of Christmas palliatives, leaving at least 10 dead. That same day, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra, resulting in the death of over 22 individuals.
In a statement signed by The President, Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, the council extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the tragedies as a national calamity. The council however blamed inadequate planning, poor crowd control measures, and negligence on the part of event organizers for the mishaps, emphasizing the need for better protocols to prevent future occurrences.
Call for Presidential Pardon
The council also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi and others, including Oriyomi Hamzat, who were reportedly arrested in connection with the Ibadan incident.
“They are remorseful and have learned from this tragic experience. Their intentions were rooted in care and love for the needy, but these efforts resulted in an unexpected calamity,” said Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq., President of Yoruba Council Worldwide.
The council urged the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue all legal proceedings against those involved, acknowledging their good intentions despite the unfortunate outcome.
In a strong call to action, the council urged government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to work collaboratively to establish a comprehensive framework for distributing palliatives.
