Ooni’s Ex-Queen and Others Regain Freedom After 21-Day Detention Over Ibadan Stampede
Former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, have been released from Agodi Correctional Centre after 21 days in remand. The trio was detained in connection with a tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024.
On Monday, Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court granted them bail in the sum of ₦10 million each, along with two sureties in like sum. The Oyo State Government had filed 18 charges against the defendants, including murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and conspiracy.
Judge’s Ruling and Bail Conditions
Justice Olawoyin rejected the prosecution’s objections to the bail application, stating that the stampede was not a premeditated act. He emphasized that detaining the defendants under a “holding charge” violated their constitutional rights.
“There is no provision for a holding charge under Nigerian law. Detaining them without proper arraignment in a court capable of hearing the charges constitutes an infringement on their rights,” the judge ruled.
Defendants Welcomed by Supporters
Following their release on Tuesday, Oriyomi Hamzat was greeted by a large crowd of supporters at Agidigbo FM. In an emotional moment, he addressed the gathering, saying, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
Details of the Charges
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, accuses the defendants of failing to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during a children’s funfair. The alleged negligence led to the stampede, which caused the deaths of 35 children.
The names of 14 victims were disclosed in the prosecution’s submission, including Musiliu Sofiat, aged eight; Lekan Salami, seven; Feyikemi Salam, 1.5 years; Olaniyan Joshua, 1.5 years; Laeef Muisi, eight; Opeyemi Ayomide, four; Adebayo-Fatimah, four; and Adeyanju Taiwo, eight.
The charges state that the defendants’ actions violated Sections 324, 308, and 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Prosecution’s Allegations
The state alleges that the defendants negligently omitted critical safety measures, leading to the fatal stampede. The prosecution argued that the tragedy could have been avoided if adequate security and medical arrangements had been in place.
This case underscores the importance of accountability in organizing public events, especially those involving children, as the court continues to address the tragedy.
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