society
Oriyomi Hamzat Speaks Out on Ibadan Funfair Stampede, Blames Parents for Chaos
Oriyomi Hamzat Speaks Out on Ibadan Funfair Stampede, Blames Parents for Chaos
Media personality Oriyomi Hamzat has broken his silence regarding the tragic stampede that occurred at a funfair event in Ibadan, shifting blame onto parents for the chaotic situation that led to casualties. In a detailed recount of the incident, Hamzat defended Prophetess Naomi, the event organizer, and highlighted the various challenges faced during the event’s preparation and execution.
In his statement, Hamzat shared that he had visited the venue the day before the event to inspect the arrangements. During this visit, he underscored the importance of proper security and crowd management. He emphasized the need for efficient ticketing and insisted on printing 5,500 tickets to manage the expected crowd, noting that the audience in Ibadan might behave differently compared to other locations where similar events had been held.
Despite these preparations, things began to spiral out of control early on the event day. By 4 a.m., parents had already started gathering at the venue, even though the program was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. By 5:45 a.m., Hamzat arrived to find blocked roads and scenes of desperation, with mothers throwing their children over the fence in an attempt to secure entry. Tragically, one child died after hitting his head on the ground when his mother threw him over the fence, assuming someone would catch him.
Hamzat criticized the parents’ reckless actions, questioning how Prophetess Naomi could be blamed for such behavior. He expressed disbelief that the responsibility for the tragedy was being placed on the shoulders of the event’s organizer, who had made significant efforts to ensure the event’s safety.
“A day before the funfair, I went to inspect the venue to ensure that all the necessary things were in place. Prophetess Naomi was there and she said the place was more spacious than the venue they originally intended to use,” Hamzat explained. “I asked about the security arrangement, and she assured me that security would be on site by 8 a.m. I told her and the team that Ibadan is different from other places and promised to provide 200 boys who would be handing out tickets to the children. Initially, there were no plans to use tickets.”
He continued, recounting his arrival at the venue early in the morning, where he found the situation already deteriorating. “I arrived at 5:45 a.m. and saw a massive crowd. Roads were blocked, and mothers were already throwing their kids over the fence. The event was scheduled to start at 10 a.m., and security wasn’t due until 8 a.m. I began begging everyone to go home, but they wouldn’t listen. By 7 a.m., the stampede had started.”
Hamzat also revealed that despite anticipating 5,000 children, Naomi had rented 7,000 chairs, as he had advised her to make provisions for mothers who would bring their kids. He further criticized the behavior of some parents, with one woman reportedly bringing 19 children to the venue.
“The stampede occurred because of the actions of the parents, not due to any lack of planning by Prophetess Naomi or her team,” Hamzat said. “How can it be Naomi’s fault when over 2,000 mothers threw their children over the fence as early as 4 a.m.?”
The tragedy has raised serious concerns over crowd management and safety at public events, and Hamzat’s statements have sparked a wider conversation about the role of event organizers and parents in ensuring the safety of attendees.
Tell Your Men To Obey Court, Alaka Landowners Appeal To IGP Disu
Landowners in the Alaka area of Lagos State have called on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to order the policemen stationed on their property to obey a subsisting court order directing the withdrawal of all security personnel from the site.
The landowners made the call on Wednesday, February 25, during an inspection visit to the land that saw them being threatened by armed policemen.
According to the landowners, they arrived at the property following a judicial directive ordering officers to leave the land and were in the process of inspecting their individual plots, taking photographs, recording videos, and discussing plans to commence development, only to be confronted by armed policemen who questioned their presence and issued threats to shoot at them.
Speaking to journalists, one of the landowners, Tolani Agbajobi, described the encounter as disturbing and insisted that the officers had no legal basis to remain on the land. He stressed that the police should respect the authority of the court and withdraw from the property without further delay.
Agbajobi said the inspection was a long-awaited opportunity for many landowners who had been denied access to the land for an extended period. He added that the continued presence of armed officers, despite a clear court order, undermines confidence in the rule of law and raises concerns about accountability within the security architecture.
He further questioned why policemen were still deployed on the land despite public statements by the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who had warned that police involvement in land recovery or related disputes was not part of the Force’s constitutional duties and would attract disciplinary action.
Calling for urgent intervention, Agbajobi appealed to the current Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to enforce compliance with both court rulings and established police directives by ordering the immediate withdrawal of the officers from the site.
Another landowner, who identified himself simply as Samuel, also expressed concern over what he described as growing impunity, questioning how officers could continue occupying the land in defiance of a court order and clear instructions previously issued by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The landowners maintained that their demand was not confrontational but rooted in respect for the law, insisting that the police must act within their constitutional mandate and allow the courts to resolve civil land disputes without intimidation or unlawful interference.
OGUN 2027: ABIODUN ISIAQ AKINLADE – A CHANGER OF POLITICAL NARRATIVES IN OGUN WEST
The Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges, member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Right Honorable Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, remains a political patriot and a true changer of political narratives in Ogun West. Over the years, he has consistently invested in building people and nurturing future leaders, leaving behind a legacy centered on empowerment and human capital development.
There is no doubt that his political dynasty is a proudly made-in-Nigeria project. The foundation he laid and the blueprints he developed during his tenure as a four-term member of the House of Representatives continue to simplify governance and inspire developmental strides across his constituency and beyond.
His roadmap for development has remained a guiding compass toward achieving the Ogun State of his dreams, particularly in improving the lives of the people of Ogun West.
Unarguably, the true test of leadership lies in the number of leaders and successful individuals one has raised. By this standard, Hon. Akinlade stands tall. Many beneficiaries of his mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and strategic support testify to his enduring impact.
Having served diligently during the era of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later evolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC), his unmatched antecedents remain etched in the hearts of the people of Ogun West. He continues to serve as a dependable point of contact, known for his pragmatic and solution-driven approach to governance.
Hon. Akinlade has continually reshaped the political narrative in Ogun West through employment facilitation, empowerment programs, and sustained community engagement. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people demonstrates his belief that leadership is about service and impact.
As a man of vision and positive ambition for his people, his political journey and aspirations—especially his Governorship ambition—reflect his continued desire to serve at higher levels. With sustained support and collective commitment, the people of Ogun West can continue to reap the dividends of democracy under his leadership.
Daniel Topology De-Prof
society
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Opposition coalition vows constitutional resistance, warns new electoral amendments could undermine 2027 polls.”
On 26 February 2026 in Abuja, opposition political parties triggered political turbulence inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa after publicly *rejecting the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The rejection came during a high‑profile press conference where leaders described the new law as anti‑democratic and threatening to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition, led by figures including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other prominent voices, faulted key provisions of the Act; especially clauses allowing manual result collation and limiting real‑time electronic transmission of polling unit results. They argued the law could undermine transparency, deepen electoral manipulation and entrench the governing party’s advantage.
In response, the coalition called for the National Assembly to commence a fresh amendment process and vowed to use constitutional means to resist implementation of the legislation ahead of elections widely seen as decisive for Nigeria’s democratic future.
The confrontation has ignited heated debate among civil society, political analysts and within the ruling party, reflecting widening fault lines over electoral reform and democratic credibility in the run‑up to 2027.
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