Ibadan Stampede: Detention Of Naomi, Others Abomination – Yoruba Group, KOOOF

A prominent socio-cultural group, the Kaaro Oojiire Omo Oodua Foundation (KOOOF), has condemned the detention of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat; and Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of Islamic High School, Basorun.

The trio was incarcerated following a tragic stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 18, 2024, which claimed the lives of 35 children.

The group has called for their immediate release and urged the government to compensate the victims’ families. KOOOF attributed the tragedy to the pervasive poverty affecting many Nigerians and criticized the unjust treatment of those detained, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Asiwaju Olu Mayungbe, KOOOF expressed deep sorrow over the prolonged incarceration of Prophetess Naomi, describing it as an ‘Èèwò’ (abomination) and a disgrace to the Yorùbá heritage. The statement read:
“We weep for the Yorùbá people, the humanitarians, the families of the victims, and those wrongly remanded. The irony is glaring: parents who, out of desperation, threw their children over the fence, leading to their deaths, are not being held accountable. Instead, the humanitarians who attempted to provide assistance are being unjustly incarcerated.”

KOOOF argued that the incident underscores a troubling disregard for human rights and warned that such actions could discourage others from offering humanitarian aid in the future.
“This blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law sends a chilling message to other would-be humanitarians: that their efforts to provide aid and support to the vulnerable will be met with persecution and incarceration,” the group added.

The Foundation demanded immediate government action and outlined three key steps:

1. Unconditional release of the detained humanitarians.

2. Compensation and support for the families affected by the tragedy.

3. Comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of poverty and economic hardship in the country.

KOOOF concluded its statement with a message of unity and determination:
“We stand in solidarity with the vulnerable and the humanitarians who risk everything to support them. Together, we can create a more just and compassionate society.”

The group’s call highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure justice, fairness, and the protection of those working to uplift the less privileged in society.

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