Over 12,000 supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have called for justice following her arrest, arraignment, and remand in custody, which they described as unjust.
Naomi was detained alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, after a tragic incident at a funfair they organized in Ibadan, Oyo State, resulted in the deaths of 35 children on December 18, 2024. The event, held at Islamic High School, Ibadan, was meant to spread joy to underprivileged children but ended in tragedy.
Naomi, Hamzat, and the school’s principal, Fasasi Abdullahi, were arraigned on charges of conspiracy, negligence causing death, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event. All three pleaded not guilty and are currently held at the Agodi Custodial Centre by order of Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Magistrate’s Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The funfair, organized under Naomi’s Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation, initially aimed to host 5,000 children aged 0-13. However, over 7,500 attendees arrived, creating an overwhelming situation. Reports suggest the stampede occurred as children and their parents attempted to force their way into the venue, breaking through the main gate and scaling the school fence.
Despite being in custody since the incident, Naomi’s supporters have rallied for her release, emphasizing that her intentions were purely charitable. Thousands have signed an online petition demanding a fair judicial process. By Saturday, the petition had garnered 12,000 signatures. Its initiator, Yetunde Ola, highlighted Naomi’s humanitarian motives, arguing that the charges against her were unfair and misplaced.
Naomi’s mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, also made a public appeal to President Bola Tinubu and other influential Nigerians to intervene. In an emotional viral video, Ogunseyi claimed her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by powerful figures. “They say it’s an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she only wanted to help. Naomi is fragile and unwell. President Tinubu, please help us,” she pleaded.
These appeals have fueled claims that Naomi is being unfairly targeted. However, the Oyo State Government refuted such allegations, insisting there is no political motive behind the judicial process. The state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, dismissed the accusations as baseless. He emphasized that the government was not involved in the event and only became aware of Naomi through social media.
“There’s no motive to victimize her,” Oyelade stated. “The government was not officially informed about the program, and there’s no record of formal communication regarding the event. Even a government official, the school principal, was also arraigned and detained. Justice must run its course, and no one should expect interference.”
Contrary to the government’s claims, a video has surfaced showing a meeting between the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, and Naomi, held a day before the event. In the footage, Naomi explained the purpose of the funfair, and Balogun expressed support, describing the initiative as commendable. She even pledged future collaboration, stating, “It’s a fantastic initiative. We look forward to working with you next year.”
This revelation has sparked further debate, with supporters arguing that the government’s prior knowledge of the event undermines its stance of detachment. As the case continues, Naomi’s advocates insist on her innocence, urging authorities to consider her charitable intentions and seek a fair resolution to the matter.
