Funmilayo Ogunseyi, mother of Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and concerned Nigerians for assistance regarding her daughter’s legal issues.
Gatekeepers News reports that Naomi Silekunola is one of three individuals arraigned before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan related to a tragic stampede at a funfair that resulted in the deaths of 35 children last week. The court has ordered their remand in custody on charges that include conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.
In a viral video, Ogunseyi expressed her plea for mercy, emphasising her daughter’s humanitarian intentions.
She noted that Naomi has organised numerous outreach programs over the past decade aimed at helping the needy, elderly, children, and pregnant women throughout Nigeria. 
Ogunseyi expressed her sadness that Naomi’s goodwill efforts inadvertently contributed to the unfortunate incident and the subsequent loss of lives.
“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,” Ogunseyi said tearfully.
She said crowds had gathered hours before the programme’s scheduled start time of 10 a.m.
According to her, the stampede began around 6:30 a.m., long before Naomi arrived at the venue.
Ogunseyi further revealed that Naomi, who was reportedly unwell, fainted during police interrogation and remains in custody despite her fragile health.
“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,” Ogunseyi narrated.
Breaking down in tears, Ogunseyi appealed to President Tinubu and other influential Nigerians to intervene. She claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.”
“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,” she implored.
