Ibadan Stampede: Mother of Ex-Ooni’s Wife Naomi Laments Daughter’s Detention, Appeals for Tinubu’s Intervention

Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, has made an emotional plea to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, urging them to intervene in her daughter’s detention, which she describes as unjust. Naomi, along with two other individuals, faces charges related to a tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.

Naomi, in collaboration with popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and philanthropist Oriyomi Hamzat, had organized the charity event, which aimed to help the underprivileged. However, the stampede occurred before Naomi arrived at the venue, and she was subsequently charged with conspiracy, negligence causing harm, and failing to ensure adequate security and medical facilities at the event.

In a viral video, Mrs. Ogunseyi, visibly distraught, begged for mercy, emphasizing that her daughter’s actions were purely humanitarian. She shared that Naomi had been running outreach programs for over a decade, helping children, the elderly, and pregnant women across Nigeria.

“Have mercy on me. Mothers, have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed,” Ogunseyi pleaded tearfully. “My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have traveled across the country helping children and the vulnerable. I sympathize with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion.”

Ogunseyi further clarified the situation, explaining that the event was meant to start at 10am, but a crowd began gathering hours earlier, resulting in the chaos. The stampede happened at 6:30am, long before Naomi had even arrived. “Naomi wasn’t even there yet. I received a call about the chaos while still asleep. My phone number was on the event flyer, so I was the one contacted,” she recounted.

She also mentioned that Naomi was in poor health, having fainted during police interrogation, yet was still detained and taken to court. “She is fragile and sick,” Ogunseyi said. “Naomi fainted at the station, and they still took her to court. I don’t know where else to turn to. They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’”

The heartbroken mother accused powerful individuals of orchestrating Naomi’s detention and directly appealed to President Tinubu for help. “They have taken my child to prison. The court was full of policemen. Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” Ogunseyi cried out.

Naomi’s sister, Simi Oluwaseyi, also questioned the charges against her sibling, calling them baffling and unjust. Mrs. Ogunseyi also extended her condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives, emphasizing that the tragedy was an unfortunate outcome of Naomi’s goodwill.

“I sympathize with the families who lost their children. It was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi suffer for trying to help,” she said, tearfully.

The tragic stampede has sparked national outrage, and many are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. This event follows a series of similar incidents during charity outreaches across the country, including recent stampedes in Abuja and Anambra, which also resulted in deaths and injuries.