Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has reacted after the Oyo State Government withdrew the criminal charges against her, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan following the Ibadan stampede which claimed many lives.
The charges were initially slammed on the trio following the tragic stampede in December 2024 that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children during a children’s festive party.
In a post via her Instagram page on Thursday, Naomi expressed sympathy for the bereaved families and prayed for comfort and peace for them.
The ex-queen said her message regarding the tragic incident was long overdue, but court orders restrained her.
Naomi further thanked the Oyo State government for their understanding and also reflected on the love and support she had received during the difficult time.
She wrote, “FINDING COMFORT IN GRATITUDE: A HEARTFELT MESSAGE OF THANKS AND CONDOLENCES. What a friend we have in Jesus all our grieves he carries! What a privilege we have carrying all to him in prayers.
“As a woman and a mother who for many years has been a passionate lover and advocate of children, my heart bleeds and goes out to the bereaved families whose children lost their lives in.
“The event of 18th December 2024, which was intended for good but later ended up in a sad experience for us all, My prayer is for God to comfort the families. And rest the souls of the children who lost their lives in the unfortunate occurrence. May the lord restore their joy, And grant each of them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“This is a message long overdue, however, with my temporary incarceration and the events that followed, It was an order of the honourable court to be silent on the matter. However, through God, in his infinite mercies today, the charges against us were withdrawn after a compassionate consideration from the Oyo state government, having considered our intention and our attitude towards all that has happened.”
Though we feel relieved by the outcome of today’s court proceeding.My heart and the heart of everyone directly affected still grieve the loss.I pray for our healing and ask for your prayers also.
I appreciate the government of Oyo state. Thank you for acting in good faith.All lessons learned, and we will let it serve as a guide in the future.
During this ordeal, I have felt an indescribable love from people both far and near,people of different decent and religious affiliation.Top government officials, traditional rulers, Fathers and mothers of faith,exceptional amazons, and, in fact, non-governmental organizations from across the globe.I have received a love so pure,so genuine with no iota of discrimination and prejudice
My dearest nuclear and extended family,My spiritual daddy’s and mummies,My loving ardents followers and fans spread across the globe,my friends,Volunteers and partners of Wings.Indeed eniyan laso mi.You all prayed for me,on me and with me haaa! !thank you !!
I couldn’t believe my ears and my eyes because I heard,saw, and felt it.I mean, I felt so much love that my heart could not contain it.With your love my heart has grown bigger and I am committed more than ever before to continue to create a space big enough to take you all in it.”
