Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife has addressed the arrest of his estranged wife, Naomi Silekunola, after the fatal stampede in Ibadan during her charity event. More than 32 kids lost their lives in the stampede that resulted from the event, which was planned in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM.
Naomi and the station’s owner, Oriyomi Hazmat, were arrested and arraigned at the Agodi Correctional Facility. They face charges of conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, acceleration of death, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The Ooni assured Naomi of his prayers in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafere, highlighting her kindness and good intentions. He praised her longstanding commitment to aiding impoverished children, even while she was living in the palace, and said he was confident that God would vindicate her.
The Ooni said:
"The case is before the court. We cannot interfere with the judicial process but will wait for the court’s outcome. We hope and pray she will eventually be exonerated. The Ooni believes God will vindicate her because she had good intentions for the program. She has always been passionate about caring for children, especially the underprivileged. Even when she was in the palace, she organized similar events without any issues. She has done this numerous times before, and the Ibadan edition is an unfortunate exception."
Reacting to public criticism for not intervening, the Ooni clarified that his role is limited to prayers and moral support. "We cannot take any step that would jeopardize the court’s process. Only God and the court can decide her fate," he added.
The Ooni had previously offered his deepest condolences to the families who had lost a loved one and praised Naomi's humanitarian endeavors, characterizing her as someone who was committed to sharing love and support.
The news of Naomi’s arrest also drew widespread reactions from celebrities:
Actor Adeniyi Johnson praised Naomi's kindness and the compassion that Ondo State residents have. He prayed for her to be cleared and said he hoped she would come out stronger.
Actress Biola Bayo expressed heartbreak over the incident, using Naomi’s case as a prayer point. She prayed for God to protect her good heart from leading her into trouble.
Comedian Woli Agba affirmed his faith that the situation was not outside God’s knowledge. He hoped that Naomi would be vindicated and come out stronger, and that her enemies' schemes would fail.
As the legal proceedings continue, many Nigerians remain hopeful for justice and a resolution that acknowledges Naomi’s humanitarian intentions.