Nollywood actor Femi Branch has called for accountability from parents who smuggled their children into a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of over 35 people, mostly children.
The incident occurred last week during an event organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan.
The event, initially planned for 5,000 attendees, spiraled out of control after news of “free entry” and promises of gifts and scholarships attracted an overwhelming crowd.
By the night before the event, hundreds had camped outside the venue, hoping to secure entry.
In a statement shared on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Femi Branch argued that the blame for the tragedy should not rest on the event organizers but rather on the parents who engaged in reckless behavior to gain access.
Branch highlighted reports of parents throwing their children over the school fence as an example of the chaos caused by attendees.
“This is not me trying to be insensitive about the plight of the children who died. It is very tragic. But if the purpose is to blame those responsible for the deaths, how is it the organizers’ fault?”
Branch questioned. “According to reports, people slept overnight and were throwing their children over the fence. How is this the fault of the organizers? Is it now a crime to do good in this country?”
The actor emphasized that Prophetess Naomi and co-organizer Oriyomi Hamzat had altruistic intentions in hosting the event and should not be punished for the actions of attendees. He urged authorities to investigate and hold the responsible parents accountable.
“Why have the police not fished out those parents who threw their children over the fence and charged them?” he asked. “As far as I’m concerned, they are the offenders, not the organizers. The facts are clear. It is unfair for Oriyomi Hamzat and Prophetess Naomi to be remanded on this matter. These people should be set free.”
The tragedy has sparked a heated debate about crowd management, parental responsibility, and the risks involved in organizing large public events.
