Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife

Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife

The Oyo State government is facing increasing pressure to release Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of Ooni of Ife, who was detained following the tragic death of 35 children in a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan.

Silekunola, a renowned philanthropist, has been remanded alongside two other individuals, facing charges of conspiracy, negligence, and failing to provide adequate security and medical service during the event.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been particularly vocal, condemning the detention of Silekunola as wrongful and unnecessary.

In a statement, NANS criticised the government’s failure to address the underlying issues of poverty and hunger, which they believe were key factors in the stampede.

READ ALSO:

• N1.3tn fraud: EFCC arrests Delta State Accountant General
• Parents who smuggled kids to Ibadan event should be held responsible – Femi Branch
• Christmas tragedy: Bandits attack Benue communities, kill 12, abduct 7 children

The student body stated that Silekunola, known for her extensive charitable work, should not be penalised for her philanthropic efforts.

NANS further argued that the tragedy showed the government’s neglect of its responsibilities to ensure adequate security during large gatherings and the systemic issue of hunger.

They pointed to similar incidents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Anambra State, where stampede during food distribution also led to fatalities, but no prosecutions were initiated.

The ongoing detention of Silekunola has sparked concerns that it could discourage other well-meaning individuals from supporting vulnerable communities in the future.

NANS called for the immediate release of Silekunola and her co-defendants, stating that their continued detention would set a dangerous precedent for philanthropy in Nigeria.

Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife