The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has publicly expressed support for his ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, as she navigates legal challenges stemming from a tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair she organised in Ibadan, Oyo State. The unfortunate incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, claimed the lives of 35 children.
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Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch emphasised that Silekunola’s intentions were purely altruistic. “Her intention was to spread happiness and uplift the spirits of children,” he stated, describing the initiative as a heartfelt effort to bring joy to underprivileged children during the festive season.
Silekunola, along with the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi, faces a four-count charge. These charges include conspiracy, negligence leading to death, endangering public safety, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.
The trio was remanded in prison custody by an Ibadan Magistrate’s Court on December 24, 2024. A subsequent bail hearing presided over by Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court on Tuesday also ended in disappointment, as the ruling was adjourned to Monday, January 13, 2025.
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The Ooni reiterated his commitment to respecting the judicial process. “The case is before the court. We cannot interfere with the court process; we will wait for the court’s outcome and will not take any step that will jeopardise the process,” he said.
He further highlighted Silekunola’s long-standing dedication to supporting underprivileged children, noting that her record in organising similar events had always been exemplary.
“She must have organised about three or four editions while at the palace, and nobody died. The Ibadan edition is not the first children’s programme she has held since leaving the palace,” he said.
The monarch expressed hope that Silekunola would be vindicated, affirming his belief in her good intentions. “We believe she must have acted in good conscience. Nobody organises an event intending to harm people. We at the palace wish her well and pray for her eventual exoneration.”
This public show of support underscores the Ooni’s confidence in Silekunola’s integrity and his hope for a just resolution to the matter.