Ibadan Stampede: Prophetess Naomi Silekunola reportedly faints in Agodi Prison, rushed to hospital

Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has reportedly fainted while in custody at Agodi Prison, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to multiple reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2024, prompting her immediate transfer to a hospital for medical attention.

The former queen, who was absent from court proceedings on Tuesday, December 24, had been ordered to spend Christmas Eve in Agodi Prison by judicial directive, the news outlet reported.

“Naomi, Oriyomi and the school Principal were also remanded in Ibadan prison,” the online newspaper added.

It recalled that the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had expressed sympathy to the families of children whose lives were lost at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time,” the monarch’s spokesman Moses Olafare said in a statement on Thursday.

At least 35 persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace, Naomi Ogunseyi.

The police have arrested the ex-wife of the monarch and seven others for their various involvements in the funfair.

The police said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

Ooni’s spokesman expressed sympathy with the Government of Oyo State and the families of the children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.

The Palace also showed solidarity with the ex-queen, saying she genuinely cared for children and organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.

The Palace spokesman said, “While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and care to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods like this.

“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.

“The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.”

Explaining how it happened Hamzat Oriyomi who was weeping said

“There was a security measure. But before the arrival of the law enforcement agencies. People had been there before the starting time which was 10am.

”Forcing themselves into the school. So what do we want the organizers to do?? All these incidence got started around 5am far from the scheduled time. People are just too greedy and impatience.”