12,000 Supporters Rally for Justice as Ooni Ex-Queen’s Funfair Tragedy Sparks Controversy
Thousands of supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are rallying for justice following her arrest in connection with a tragic incident at a funfair she organized. Naomi, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of the Islamic High School in Ibadan, are currently in custody after a stampede at the event resulted in the deaths of 35 children on December 18, 2024.
The trio is facing charges related to conspiracy, negligent homicide, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical provisions during the event. Naomi, Hamzat, and Abdullahi have pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
The event, organized under Naomi’s Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation, was intended to provide a day of fun for approximately 5,000 underprivileged children. However, over 7,500 children and their families showed up, leading to chaos as they attempted to force their way into the venue. Reports suggest that a stampede occurred as the crowd struggled to enter the school grounds.
In the wake of the incident, Naomi’s supporters have launched a campaign calling for a fair judicial process. As of Saturday, the petition for her release had garnered over 12,000 signatures. Yetunde Ola, the petition’s organizer, stressed that Naomi’s actions were motivated by a desire to help children, not harm them. “Queen Naomi’s intent was to bring joy to children, not cause harm,” Ola said, urging that her trial be free from bias or political interference.
Naomi’s mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, has also joined the calls for justice, appealing to President Bola Tinubu and other influential figures for intervention. In an emotional viral video, Ogunseyi expressed concern that her daughter’s legal troubles were the result of powerful forces at play, claiming that Naomi’s predicament was orchestrated by “higher powers.” She pleaded with the president to step in, highlighting Naomi’s fragile health and her desire only to help children.
The Oyo State government, however, has denied any wrongdoing or political motives in Naomi’s case. In a statement to Sunday PUNCH, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, dismissed claims that the government was involved in any way. “We had no formal knowledge of her plans,” Oyelade said, emphasizing that the government had not been notified through the appropriate channels. He further urged the public to respect the judicial process and allow justice to take its course.
Meanwhile, a video has surfaced showing a meeting between Naomi and the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, the day before the event. In the video, Balogun is seen praising Naomi’s initiative, calling it a “fantastic intervention” for underprivileged children. Balogun, representing the state government, expressed support for Naomi’s efforts and hinted at possible future collaboration for similar initiatives.
The unfolding drama has sparked a fierce debate over whether Naomi is being unfairly targeted or if justice must be served for the tragic loss of young lives. As her supporters continue to demand fairness, all eyes are on the ongoing legal proceedings.
