The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has addressed the arrest of his estranged wife, Naomi Silekunola, following the tragic Ibadan stampede that occurred during her charity event. The incident, organized in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, led to the deaths of over 32 children due to a stampede.
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.
In a statement shared through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafere, the Ooni reassured Naomi of his prayers, emphasizing her good intentions and compassionate heart. He expressed confidence that God would vindicate her and noted her longstanding dedication to helping underprivileged children, even during her time in the palace.
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 earlier expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and commended Naomi’s humanitarian efforts, describing her as someone dedicated to spreading love and support.
The news of Naomi’s arrest also drew widespread reactions from celebrities:
Actor Adeniyi Johnson commended Naomi’s generosity and the compassion characteristic of Ondo State natives. He prayed for her exoneration and expressed hope that she would emerge 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 prayed for Naomi’s vindication and for her to emerge stronger, while asking for her enemies’ plans to fail.
As the legal proceedings continue, many Nigerians remain hopeful for justice and a resolution that acknowledges Naomi’s humanitarian intentions.
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