In the wake of the tragic stampede at an Ibadan funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the loss of 35 children’s lives, supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are fervently calling for her release from custody.
Prophetess Naomi, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi, Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, were arrested following the incident. They have been charged with conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event. All three have pleaded not guilty and are currently remanded at the Agodi Custodial Centre, as ordered by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Magistrate’s Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The funfair, organized under the Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation led by Prophetess Naomi, was intended to host 5,000 children aged 0-13 for free. However, reports indicate that over 7,500 children arrived, leading to overcrowding. The stampede occurred as attendees attempted to force entry through the main gate and scale the school fence.
In response to the arrests, a significant number of supporters have mobilized, asserting that Prophetess Naomi’s charitable intentions should not result in her incarceration. An online petition advocating for her release has garnered over 12,000 signatures. The petition emphasizes the need for an impartial judicial process, stating, “It is paramount that her court cases are addressed with utmost impartiality and integrity.”
Adding to the appeals, Prophetess Naomi’s mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, has publicly called on President Bola Tinubu and compassionate Nigerians to intervene. In a heartfelt video, Ogunseyi expressed her belief that her daughter’s predicament is the result of orchestrated actions by adversaries.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about event safety protocols and the responsibilities of organizers, especially when events involve large numbers of children. As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains attentive to the outcomes and the implications for future public gatherings.
