A tragic charity event in Ibadan has led to an unexpected public statement from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, defending the character of his former queen, Naomi Silekunola, following her detention by authorities. The monarch’s remarks come in the wake of a devastating stampede at a children’s charity event organized by the ex-queen in collaboration with media personality Oriyomi Hamzat.
The charitable initiative, which aimed to provide 5,000 children with monetary gifts of 5,000 naira each, turned tragic when crowd control measures failed, resulting in walls being breached as attendees became unmanageable. The chaos led to multiple casualties and the subsequent detention of Queen Naomi, though specific details regarding her arrest remain unclear.
Breaking his silence on the incident, the Ooni offered his condolences to families affected by the tragedy while simultaneously vouching for his former wife’s character. Through a statement shared by blogger Temilola Sobola, the monarch highlighted Naomi’s history of organizing similar charitable events during her time as queen at Ile Ife, emphasizing her genuine commitment to children’s welfare.
The Ooni’s public support of his ex-wife comes as a surprising development, particularly considering the controversial nature of their separation. Queen Naomi’s departure from the palace had previously made headlines when she took to Instagram to announce her resignation from her royal position, hinting at discrepancies between the Ooni’s public persona and private conduct.
Their relationship had ended dramatically with Queen Naomi making bold statements about the monarch’s character, suggesting he maintained a “dual personality” that differed significantly from his public image. These revelations had created considerable speculation about the inner workings of the palace and the true nature of their relationship.
The tragic event in Ibadan has now brought the former royal couple back into public discourse, albeit under devastating circumstances. The charity initiative, which was meant to bring joy and financial support to thousands of children, instead resulted in a catastrophic outcome that has raised questions about event planning and crowd management at charitable gatherings.
The Ooni’s decision to speak positively about his former queen’s character during this crisis demonstrates a level of grace and maturity in handling their post-separation relationship, particularly in times of adversity. His acknowledgment of her humanitarian efforts during her time as queen serves to validate her continued commitment to charitable causes, even after leaving the palace.
This incident has sparked broader discussions about the organization of charitable events in Nigeria and the need for proper security and crowd control measures. The tragedy has highlighted the potential risks associated with large-scale charitable distributions, especially in areas where poverty might lead to desperate situations.
The statement from the Ooni also reflects the complex dynamics of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria, where royal figures must navigate both their traditional roles and contemporary social responsibilities. His public support of his ex-wife’s charitable endeavors, despite their personal differences, underscores the importance of maintaining dignity and unity in the face of tragedy.
As investigations into the incident continue, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies in the future while ensuring that charitable initiatives can continue to reach those in need safely and effectively. The Ooni’s statement serves not only as a character reference for his former queen but also as a reminder of the importance of supporting humanitarian efforts, even when personal relationships have changed.
The incident has brought to light both the best and worst aspects of charitable giving in Nigeria – the genuine desire to help others, as exemplified by Queen Naomi’s intentions, and the tragic consequences that can occur when such events are overwhelmed by circumstance. As the community mourns those lost in the stampede, the Ooni’s words provide a reminder of the complex intersections between tradition, charity, and public safety in contemporary Nigerian society.
