Over 12,000 supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are calling for justice following her arrest and detention in connection to a tragic funfair stampede in Ibadan, which claimed 35 children’s lives.
They describe her treatment as unfair, emphasizing her charitable intentions.
Naomi, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdullahi, were arraigned on charges of conspiracy, negligence, endangering public safety, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. All defendants pleaded not guilty and are currently remanded at Agodi Custodial Centre.
The funfair, organized under Naomi’s Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation, was intended to host 5,000 children aged 0–13.
However, over 7,500 children attended, resulting in a stampede at the venue. Reports suggest chaos ensued as attendees tried to enter by scaling fences and breaking gates.
The event, initially scheduled to start at 10 am, was delayed, reportedly due to inadequate security measures. Naomi’s supporters argue that her intentions were to provide joy to underprivileged children and call for fairness in the judicial process.
An online petition launched on Thursday has gathered over 12,000 signatures, urging transparency and impartiality in her trial.
Petition originator Yetunde Ola stated, “Queen Naomi sought to alleviate the suffering of children, not cause harm. Her trial must reflect justice and fairness.”
Naomi’s mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians for intervention, alleging powerful individuals orchestrated her daughter’s predicament.
In a viral video, she said, “Naomi is fragile and sick. She came to help, not harm. Please release her.”
Adding complexity, a video surfaced showing Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, discussing the event with Naomi a day before the funfair.
In the footage, Balogun praised the initiative and expressed the government’s support for future collaborations.
Despite this, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, denied any prior official knowledge of the event, labeling claims of persecution as baseless.
“Justice must take its course,” Oyelade stated, urging the public to respect the judiciary’s independence.
The revelation of the meeting video has intensified calls for clarity and justice, as supporters argue it contradicts the government’s denial of involvement.
The case continues to spark widespread debate over accountability, negligence, and the balance between justice and charity.
