The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed faith that his ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, will be vindicated in the case of an ibadan stampede that claimed 35 children’s lives during a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 4, 2024.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch absolved the ex-queen of ill intent, noting her long-standing commitment to uplifting underprivileged children.
“She has always cared for children, even during her time in the palace. She organised similar events in the past without any incidents. We believe she acted in good conscience, and we pray that God grants her justice,” the Ooni said.
Silekunola, alongside Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat of Agidigbo FM and Principal Abdulahi Fasasi of Islamic High School, Bashorun, faces charges of conspiracy, negligence causing death, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the Ibadan Stampede.
While supporters have called on the monarch to secure her release, Oba Ogunwusi emphasized that the case is in court and outside his influence.
“We cannot interfere with the court process. Only God and the court can decide her fate,” he stated, adding that the palace is praying for her exoneration.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Ibadan High Court adjourning the bail ruling to January 13, 2025.
Oba Ogunwusi expressed hope that Silekunola would be cleared of all charges, stressing her noble intentions to bring joy to underprivileged children through the funfair that led to the Ibadan Stampede.