As Nigerians usher in the festive season, the shocking incarceration of Naomi Ogunseyi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, casts a shadow over the Yuletide celebrations. Her arrest follows a tragic stampede at a funfair she organized for underprivileged children, which led to the deaths of 32 innocent lives.
A Noble Gesture Turned Tragic
For years, Naomi’s funfair has been a beacon of hope for less privileged families, bringing joy to children during the Christmas season. The event, modestly publicized through Agidigbo Radio, attracted thousands this year, a testament to the worsening economic conditions in the country. What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare as an overwhelming crowd led to a deadly stampede.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief, especially for the families of the deceased. While we mourn the irreplaceable loss of 32 young lives, it is also essential to address the deeper questions surrounding the event.
State Failure or Personal Accountability?
Naomi and Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo Radio, now face legal charges, including murder. The state accuses them of failing to ensure adequate security at the event. However, this raises an uncomfortable question: Is it fair to place the burden of public security on a private individual?
The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 14, explicitly states that the welfare and security of citizens are the primary responsibilities of the government. Yet, poverty and desperation drove thousands to flock to Naomi’s funfair, highlighting a glaring failure in the state’s responsibilities.
A Double Standard
This isn’t the first time a stampede has claimed lives in Nigeria. In February, a government-organized sale of confiscated rice at a discounted rate led to the deaths of five people in a similar stampede. No government official was held accountable for those deaths.
The irony is stark: When the government fails, it often escapes scrutiny. But when a private citizen attempts to fill the gap left by the state, they are quickly vilified.
Who Gains from Naomi’s Incarceration?
It’s doubtful that the grieving families are interested in seeing Naomi behind bars. Instead, her arrest appears to serve the interests of those in power who want to deflect attention from their failures. By making Naomi a scapegoat, the state shifts the narrative away from its inability to provide basic security and welfare for its citizens.
A Call for Justice and Reform
Naomi’s tragedy is a symptom of a larger problem—a nation where private individuals are left to shoulder responsibilities that rightfully belong to the state. Instead of persecution, individuals like Naomi should be supported and celebrated for their efforts to uplift the less privileged.
As we grieve for the lost lives, we must also demand accountability from those in power. The government must address the root causes of poverty and desperation that led to the stampede. Only then can we prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
Naomi Ogunseyi’s story is a painful reminder of the consequences of state failure. While she remains behind bars, the question lingers: Is she a queen who tried to make a difference or a scapegoat for the government’s shortcomings?
This Yuletide, let us reflect not just on her plight but on the systemic issues that continue to plague our nation.
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