Rita Odafe
Femi Branch
Femi Branch, a well-known Nigerian actor and director, has shared his thoughts on the recent tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, where over 35 individuals, primarily children, lost their lives in a stampede.
This unfortunate incident took place at an event hosted by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area.
Initially aimed at accommodating 5,000 guests, word of “free entry” along with promises of gifts and scholarships attracted a significantly larger crowd.
As anticipation grew, many people camped outside the venue to secure their entry.
Following the stampede, Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat (CEO of Agidigbo FM), and the school’s principal, Fasasi Abdullahi, were arrested and brought to court.
In a statement he made on Wednesday, Branch asserted that the actual offenders were the parents who pushed their children into the event, rather than the event organizers.
He pointed out that the event’s organizers had good intentions and it was unjust to hold them responsible for the incident.
Branch questioned the lack of accountability for parents who were seen throwing their children over the fence to gain entry.
He remarked, “I am not trying to diminish the tragedy of the children who lost their lives. Blaming the organizers only shifts the focus away from the real issue.”
“Reports indicate that many camped overnight and some parents even tossed their children over the fence. How can this be blamed on the organizers? Is it problematic to even attempt to do good in a country with numerous challenges?”
He called on the authorities to investigate the parents involved, asking, “Why has no action been taken against the parents who caused this situation? They should be the ones facing charges, not the organizers.”
“The situation is clear. It is unjust to keep Oriyomi Hamzat and Prophetess Naomi detained because of this incident. They should be released.”
See Video Below;
Ibadan stamped: Actor Femi branch has this to say
Your thoughts?? pic.twitter.com/sGDGBCf9It
— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) December 25, 2024
