Prophetess Naomi's Mother Speaks Out Amid Daughter's Remand Over Tragic Stampede

The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, has publicly pleaded for assistance after her daughter was remanded in Agodi Prison. This followed the tragic stampede that resulted in the death of 35 minors during an event last Wednesday.

In an emotional video, Naomi’s mother, visibly distressed and in tears, implored Nigerians and the global community to intervene, insisting that her daughter is innocent.

She lamented, “Please help me; have mercy on me. Don’t let them ruin my life. My daughter has been organizing this program for over a decade to assist children. I beg the world to help free Naomi. She is truly innocent.”

Prophetess Naomi, alongside Agidigbo FM’s owner, Mr. Hamzat Oriyomi, and the Principal of Islamic School, Bashorun, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, faces a four-count charge. These charges include conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, acceleration of death, and failure to provide sufficient security and medical support at the event.

The court ordered that the accused remain in prison custody until January 13, awaiting legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Despite their defense lawyers’ efforts to have their clients released to police custody, Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi upheld the remand order.

Mr. Ridwan Adekunle, counsel to Oriyomi Hamzat, argued that his client had an agreement with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) Legal to remain in police custody. Similarly, Mr. Olajide, representing the school principal, pleaded for police custody instead of prison remand.

The case, registered as C/2024 and initiated by the Commissioner of Police, initially led to the arrest of seven suspects, five of whom have since been released.

Both Prophetess Naomi and Oriyomi reportedly required hospitalization following the tragic event. Oriyomi stated that he was left in shock, while Naomi was said to have collapsed during her time in police custody.

Reacting to the tragedy, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde pledged a thorough investigation, assuring the public that anyone found responsible would face the full force of the law.