Following the deaths in the stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has urged President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to step in and help her daughter with her legal issues.
In relation to a terrible funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children last week, Naomi is one of three people brought before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan.
On charges of conspiracy, careless behavior that caused injury, and inadequate security and medical services at the event, the court has ordered the accused to be detained in prison.
She said, “Have mercy on me. Mothers have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed. My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have travelled across the country, helping children and the vulnerable. I sympathise with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion.
“The programme was meant to begin at 10 a.m., but people started arriving the day before. By 6:30 a.m., the crowd became uncontrollable. Naomi wasn’t even there yet. I received a call about the chaos while still asleep. My phone number was on the event flyer, so I was the one contacted. Naomi, her elder brother, and I immediately went to the police station to report the incident, but she was detained and later charged with murder.
“They have taken my child to prison. The court was full of policemen. I don’t know where else to turn. They say her ordeal is an order from above. Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid.”
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
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Rose Ajieh
