Queen Naomi Silekunola’s mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, has cried out to well-meaning Nigerians to intervene on behalf of her daughter, who was formerly married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a bid to secure her bail. This plea was made in a video seen by The Guardian.

Silekunola was one of three people detained and denied bail following the death of about 35 children during a giveaway event last week in Ibadan.

The court denied bail to the accused on charges of conspiracy, negligence, acts causing harm, and failure to provide security and medical facilities at the venue of the event, which was held in a school compound.

In an emotionally laden voice, Silekunola’s mother was heard pleading for her daughter, explaining that Silekunola was only trying to be humane toward the conditions of many people, especially during this period of economic hardship.

Ogunseyi further explained in the video that Silekunola had, in the past, organized such feeding programs spanning over 10 years.

She noted that the goodwill her daughter had toward others, especially children, the needy, and pregnant women, had unfortunately led to people’s untimely deaths.

She said: “Have mercy on me. Mothers, have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed.

“My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have traveled across the country helping children and the vulnerable.

“I sympathize with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion,” Ogunseyi said tearfully.

She added that the organizers of the feeding event never intended for such a tragic occurrence to happen.

“Please help me to set my daughter free because she is very innocent. Government, please save me, save my daughter. Please, again, I beg the whole world that they should please help me to release my daughter,” she pleaded.