The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed unwavering support for his ex-wife, Naomi Silekunola, amidst the ongoing legal proceedings following a tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair she organized in Ibadan on December 4, 2024.

The stampede, which occurred during the event intended for underprivileged children, claimed the lives of 35 young victims.

Oba Ogunwusi has assured the public that Naomi Silekunola acted with the best of intentions, emphasizing that she never sought to harm anyone. He highlighted her long-standing dedication to bringing joy to children, especially those in need, even prior to and during her time in the palace. The monarch reaffirmed that Naomi’s focus had always been on uplifting children, not causing harm.

The former queen, alongside Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, are facing charges in connection with the incident. These charges include conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security at the event. The three defendants have been remanded in prison since December 24, 2024, with their bail applications postponed until January 13, 2025.

Despite public calls for his intervention, Oba Ogunwusi explained that while he supports Naomi, he cannot interfere in the judicial process. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni stated, “Only God and the court can determine her fate. We trust that justice will prevail. Naomi has always been a compassionate individual, and we believe she is innocent of any wrongdoing.”

The Ooni remains hopeful that his prayers for Naomi will lead to her eventual exoneration, stressing that the tragedy was an accident and reaffirming his belief that no one organizes such an event with the intent to harm others. As the case moves forward, Oba Ogunwusi continues to pray for her vindication, confident that God’s justice will prevail in the end.