Ooni Strongly Defends Ex, Naomi Over Stampede Deaths

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has shown his support for his former wife, Naomi Silekunola, who is facing legal issues following a tragic stampede that led to the deaths of 35 children at a Christmas funfair she organized in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 4.

Oba Ogunwusi defended Silekunola, stating that there was no malicious intent behind the event, describing it as a genuine effort to bring joy to underprivileged children during the festive season. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch conveyed his message, saying, “Her intention was to spread happiness and uplift the spirits of children.”

GWG.ng reports that the Ooni’s statment came after Naomi Silekunola, along with Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, were slammed with multiple charges arising from the death that followed the stampede during the funfair.

The charges include conspiracy, negligence leading to death, endangering public safety, and failure to provide adequate security and medical care during the event.

On December 24, 2024, an Ibadan Magistrate’s Court remanded the three in prison, and a hearing scheduled for January 13, 2025, will determine whether bail will be granted. Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court refused to grant bail during a recent hearing, leaving the matter to be decided by the court.

Regarding the case, Oba Ogunwusi expressed his confidence that justice would prevail, saying, “The case is before the court. We cannot interfere with the court process; we will wait for the court’s outcome, and we will not take any step that will jeopardise the court’s process on the matter. We hope she will eventually be exonerated.”

The Ooni also stressed Naomi Silekunola’s sincere intentions, adding that she had regularly organised the charity events without stampede.

“She has always cared for children, especially the underprivileged, even when she was in the palace. Nobody ever died during such events when she organised them in the past.” He noted that Silekunola had organized similar events both before and after her time in the palace, without any incidents.

The Ooni and his palace continue to support her, saying, “We believe she must have acted in good conscience. Nobody organises an event intending to harm people.” He expressed his hope that Silekunola would be exonerated, reaffirming the belief that justice would prevail in the case.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG