Mother of Ex-Ooni’s Wife Pleads for Daughter’s Release After Ibadan Tragedy

The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has made an emotional plea for her daughter’s release from Agodi prison after she was remanded in connection with a tragic stampede that killed 35 minors in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a tearful video shared on social media, the distressed mother pleaded for public support, declaring her daughter’s innocence in the incident. She said, “Help me, have mercy on me, don’t let them destroy my life. My daughter has been doing this program for over 10 years to help children. Please, the world, help free Naomi. She is very innocent.”

Prophetess Naomi, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, were remanded by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of the Oyo State Chief Magistrate Court 1 on Tuesday. The court’s decision was made pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

The charges against the accused include conspiracy to commit felony, negligent acts leading to death, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at a children’s funfair event. The incident, which occurred on December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, led to the deaths of an 8-year-old girl and 34 other children aged between 5 months and 13 years.

The court documents allege that the event organizers were negligent in securing the venue, ultimately contributing to the deadly stampede.

Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed a thorough investigation into the tragedy, promising that those found responsible will face legal consequences. The case has drawn public attention to event safety protocols, especially concerning the welfare of minors at large gatherings.

The legal proceedings continue as authorities investigate the full scope of the incident and the parties involved in organizing the ill-fated event.