The former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Evangelist Naomi Silekunola, has reportedly refused food while in detention at the Agodi custodial facility, following her arraignment over a tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children. Her mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, revealed this in an interview, describing the excruciating experience her daughter is facing behind bars.
According to Mrs. Ogunseyi, the stampede occurred during a children’s funfair organized by the ex-queen’s foundation at the Islamic High School, Basorun, on December 24, 2024. The incident prompted police intervention and led to the detention of Silekunola, alongside Agidigbo FM CEO Oriyomi Hamzat and the school principal.
“The queen had no intention of causing harm,” Mrs. Ogunseyi stated. “Her foundation has consistently organized events across different cities, including Akure, Ondo Town, and Ile Oluji, without any casualties.” However, this year’s event in Ibadan saw an overwhelming crowd as early as 6:30 a.m., leading to chaotic scenes and the stampede.
Efforts to secure bail were thwarted when a magistrate ruled that only a High Court could grant her release. The case was subsequently adjourned to January 13, 2025.
The mother explained that the event was planned with the assistance of Mr. Hamzat, who suggested and funded the venue. She emphasized that the queen and her team had taken precautions, including hiring security personnel. “We had security in place, but the situation spiraled out of control due to the unexpected crowd,” she said.
Visibly distressed, Mrs. Ogunseyi appealed to Nigerians and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for intervention. “We’re begging everyone, especially the parents who lost their children. It wasn’t intentional. Please forgive us,” she pleaded.
The grieving mother also noted her daughter’s deteriorating health in detention, claiming that Silekunola has refused to eat. “She’s heartbroken over the children’s deaths. When I visited, she had emaciated and was in visible pain.”
Critics have called for better crowd control measures at public events and raised questions about accountability in tragedies of this scale. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ogunseyi believes her daughter’s philanthropic mission should not be tainted by the tragedy. “She has always been about helping children and the less privileged,” she asserted.
The public awaits further legal proceedings as the families of the victims and the organizers seek justice and closure.
