The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians to assist in securing her daughter’s release after she was remanded in Agodi Custodial Centre in Ibadan. Prophetess Naomi faces allegations related to a stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a children’s event in Ibadan.
In a tearful video plea, Naomi’s mother described her daughter as innocent, emphasizing her longstanding dedication to organizing programs for children. “Help me, have mercy on me. Don’t let them destroy my life. My daughter has been running this program for over 10 years to help children. Please, the world, help free Naomi; she is very innocent,” she said.
Naomi, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, Principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, was ordered to be remanded by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of the Oyo State Chief Magistrate Court 1. The court stated that their detention would last until the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) provides legal advice on the case.
According to the charges, the accused are alleged to have negligently failed to provide adequate security and medical facilities during a funfair at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, leading to the tragic stampede. The charges include conspiracy, acceleration of death, and negligent acts causing harm, all under the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed a thorough investigation into the incident, assuring that anyone found culpable will face justice. Meanwhile, Naomi’s supporters and family members continue to seek public support to prove her innocence in the ongoing case.
