The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed confidence that God will clear his former queen, Naomi Silekunola, of any wrongdoing related to the tragic stampede in Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred on December 4 during a Christmas event organized by Silekunola, resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
Oba Ogunwusi emphasized that Silekunola had no harmful intentions. He stated that the event was meant to bring joy to underprivileged children and was organized with good intentions.
Silekunola, along with Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, is facing charges of negligence, endangering public safety, and failure to provide adequate security and medical support at the event.
On December 24, an Ibadan Magistrate’s Court ordered the trio to be remanded in custody. Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the State High Court later denied their bail applications and adjourned the case until January 13, 2025.
Supporters of Silekunola have urged Ooni to assist in her release. However, the monarch clarified through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, that he could not interfere with the legal proceedings.
Oba Ogunwusi expressed hope for her eventual exoneration and emphasized that the court’s decision would be awaited.
“We are wishing her well and praying that God grants her justice. God will vindicate her. We believe she must have acted in good conscience. Nobody organises an event intending to harm people. We at the palace wish her well and pray for her eventual exoneration,” Olafare stated.
Oba Ogunwusi reiterated his support for Silekunola, noting that similar events she organized in the past had been safe and successful.
He expressed hope that this case would also conclude in her favour, with her good intentions being recognized.
