Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the embattled former queen of the Ooni of Ife, has reportedly gone on a hunger strike while in custody at the Agodi Correctional Facility in Ibadan. Her mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Oginseyi, disclosed this during a recent visit, expressing concerns about her daughter’s deteriorating health and emotional state.
“She wasn’t feeling well and was deeply saddened by the tragic incident,” Oginseyi said. “She loves and helps children, single mothers, widows, and the elderly. It pains her that lives were lost despite her pure intentions. She has refused to eat and has visibly emaciated.”
Silekunola, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the founder of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, was remanded following a deadly stampede at a Christmas funfair on December 18. The event, organized by her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS), in partnership with Agidigbo FM, resulted in the deaths of 35 children and critical injuries to six others.
The trio appeared before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on December 24, facing charges of conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm. The court ordered their remand pending advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, with the case adjourned to January 13, 2025.
Amidst her ordeal, televangelist Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo visited Silekunola in custody, offering spiritual support. In an Instagram post, Felix-Adejumo shared a message of encouragement, quoting Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” She added, “This too shall pass.”
The relationship between Felix-Adejumo and Silekunola is well-documented. The former queen attended the clergywoman’s 60th birthday celebration last year at the Agape Christian Ministries headquarters in Akure, Ondo State.
