Ibadan stampede: Osun monarch seeks Queen Naomi’s release

As many Nigerians still lamenting momentarily on the stampede that claims 35 lives during the Ibadan Children Carnival, a Frontline traditional Ruler in Yoruba land and the Afaaji Of Faji, OSUN state, Oba Moshood Olawale Olaleke has charged Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the State Police Command to grant unconditional bail to Naomi Silekunola, ex- queen, of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The royal father argued that the ex-queen had good intentions towards rending help to needy children before the event turned tragic.

The monarch who made the charge while speaking with Newsmen in his palace on the incident, after maiden edition programme of open crusade of the Community Unity Christ Ambassadors Evangelical Team (CCAET) held between 28th to 30th of December, 2024 in the town, described the development as unfortunate, sad and commiserated with the families that lost their loved ones to the incident meant to celebrate the potentiality and happiness of the children.

He, however, appealed to the concerned authorities to consider the good spirit and motive behind the Ibadan carnival by the organiser (s) before, it went out of hand.

The royal father thereafter sought the governor to temper justice with mercy saying, the act was not intentional.

According to him, “The former queen of Ooni of Ife, always organises the event annually to add value to needy and less privileged children’s lives in the society.

Earlier, the community evangelistic team in the community preached love among members of the society and stood against segregation, sectionalism, and tribalism.

The group distributed raw food items to over 100 vulnerable ones in Faji community of Osun, as a way of meeting their needs and extending love to them during the festive period.

The evangelical team which distributed the items at its first open crusade held between 28th to 30th of December, 2024, at the event dedicated to spiritual and social impacts in Faji, also provided, free diagnostic and administered drug services to over 150 individuals.

The Coordinator of the programme, Pastor Oyewole Femi Adegoke stated that their Vision is “to spread the love of God and His gospel to our community, bringing hope and faith to those in need, and preparing for the coming of the Lord. ”

” As a unified family of believers, we are committed to sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, living out our faith through loving actions, and making disciples in our community “.

” Our ultimate goal is to fulfill the great commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20,by reaching every household in our community with the love and message of Christ.”

“To achieve this, we have set the following goals and objectives: organise regular outreach events, including community picnics, prayer walks, and evangelistic services.

Others, according to him are to, equip and empower family members to be effective witnesses for Christ, provide training sessions on evangelism techniques, Bible study, and prayer, create a prayer chain among members to intercede for the community and outreach efforts, build relationships with local organisations and churches for collaborative evangelism and partner with other Christian groups to justifying campaigns, service projects and outreach initiatives.

The town’s monarch while responding when the group paid an homage to his palace, appreciated them for their humanitarian gestures and deemed it fit to add value to their community.

In his own speech, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor A. Adeleke, admonished all and sundry to always be one another’s keepers for the progress of any given society.

He however gave kudos to the evangelical Team for having their people in mind for good saying, their actions would remain un-erased in the minds of generations yet unborn.

 READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE