Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, was a key organiser of the tragic children's festive party.
The Oyo State government has confirmed that no fewer than 35 children lost their lives during a stampede which occurred at the ill-fated children's festive party in Ibadan.
This was contained in a press statement issued by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
SaharaReporters on Wednesday broke the news about how tragedy struck at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan when a stampede occurred during a children's Christmas party.
Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, was a key organiser of the tragic children's festive party.
Additionally, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, had actively promoted the event in the days leading up to the devastating incident.
The State Governor, Seyi Makinde had also confirmed the arrest of the party's organizers and vowed to ensure the culprits face wrath of the law for the tragedy they caused.
The commissioner's statement added that some children were also critically and currently admitted at hospital receiving treatment.
The statement added: "The commissioner said Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention, with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital and University College Hospital (UCH)."
Commenting on these developments, the African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State also expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The party state chairman, Kayode Babayomi, berated the the event's organisers,government institutions, for their negligence regarding the welfare and safety of the attendees.
The party said the organisers and the government failed to implement adequate security measures to manage such a large crowd.
The party's statement continued: "It is clear that the organizers do not understand the material conditions faced by many in our community; calling for freebies or giveaways in this context leads to an inevitable overflow of people, especially given the current economic struggles faced by numerous families in Nigeria.
"This incident serves as a testament to the failure of the current government, as well as successive governments, in adequately protecting the lives and well-being of the people. We emphasize that the Seyi Makinde-led government must take full responsibility for this incident instead of offering vague responses. The government must ensure the safety of its citizens."
The party, therefore, demanded the organizers and all collaborators of the event be held accountable.
The statement continued: "Those responsible for this tragedy, including those involved in similar events, must not be allowed to evade responsibility, and the deaths of these 32 children must not be swept under the carpet as usual
"Finally, we assert that the root cause of this tragedy lies in poor governance and irresponsible conduct by the government leaving the mass of our people in abject poverty and with no choice than struggling and fighting to win giveaways, resulting in stampede. They should not shirk their responsibilities and expect the citizens to bear the burden alone."