The mother of Naomi Silekunola, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu and concerned Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles following a tragic stampede in Ibadan.
Naomi and two others have been arraigned before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court over a stampede during a funfair that claimed the lives of 35 children.
They face charges of conspiracy, negligence, and failing to ensure adequate security and medical arrangements.
The court ordered the detention of the accused, including Naomi, in prison.
In an emotional video that has gone viral, Mrs. Ogunseyi tearfully appealed for mercy, stating that her daughter only intended to help the less privileged.
“Please have mercy. My child went to Ibadan to assist the needy. This was not her first time. We have organised similar programmes across Nigeria to help children, the elderly, and pregnant women. I sympathise with the families of the children who died; it was never our intention. Naomi is innocent. Don’t let her be imprisoned,” she said.
Mrs. Ogunseyi recounted how the tragedy unfolded, explaining that the crowd had started gathering as early as the night before the event.
“The programme was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., but by 6:30 a.m., the crowd was uncontrollable. Naomi wasn’t even at the venue. I received a call about the chaos while still at home. Her elder brother and I went to the police station with Naomi to report the incident, but she was detained and later charged,” she explained.
Mrs. Ogunseyi revealed that Naomi fainted during police interrogation and remains in custody despite being unwell.
“She is fragile and sick. She fainted during questioning. President Tinubu, I beg you, please intervene. Powerful people are behind this, and they want to destroy my child’s life,” she said.
Mrs. Ogunseyi offered her condolences to the families of the deceased children, insisting the tragedy was unintended.
“I share the pain of the families who lost their children. It was never our intention to cause harm. Naomi went there to help,” she added.
