On January 7, 2025, an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan will hear the bail applications of Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, a prominent radio station proprietor, and Mr. Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun. The trio faces legal action following a deadly stampede at a Children’s Funfair carnival held in December 2024, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 35 children.
The hearing, scheduled for 10 a.m. at Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, will be presided over by Justice Olawoyin. The State, however, has filed a counter-application against the bail request. It is anticipated that the defense lawyers for the three accused will argue their bail applications in the hope of securing their release ahead of the next adjourned date. These individuals had spent the Christmas and New Year holidays in Agodi Correctional Centre after being remanded by a Chief Magistrate Court in December.
The incident that led to the current legal proceedings took place on December 18, 2024, during a publicized children’s empowerment event organized by Olori Naomi’s Wings Foundation. Despite the event being planned for 5,000 participants, the crowd exceeded expectations, leading to a fatal stampede. Several children were killed and many others injured, sparking national outrage and concern over the safety measures in place. While Olori Naomi and her organization played a central role in organizing the event, Oriyomi Hamzat’s radio station, Agidigbo FM, publicized it widely, and Mr. Fasasi’s school hosted the event at its venue.
After the incident, the police arrested the three individuals and charged them with negligence. They were subsequently arraigned at a Magistrate Court on December 24, 2024, where they were remanded into custody until a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was received. The DPP’s advice, expected shortly, will determine the charges that remain against the accused.
Naomi’s legal team, represented by senior counsel Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), has expressed optimism that if the bail applications are granted, their clients could regain their freedom before the case is next reviewed. Adetunmbi also mentioned that the DPP might decide to drop certain charges, based on legal provisions and available evidence.
While the tragic outcome has deeply affected the families of the victims, there have been calls for the court to consider the humanitarian intent behind the event. The organizers intended to provide a fun and empowering experience for children, and some argue that the tragic deaths should not overshadow the charitable nature of the initiative.
Given the nature of the event and the public outcry, advocates are urging the court to exercise leniency, highlighting the importance of encouraging well-intentioned charitable efforts. Furthermore, they recommend facilitating a dialogue between the organizers and the affected families to reach a mutually acceptable settlement, underscoring the value of goodwill and cooperation.
As the legal proceedings continue, many are watching closely to see how the court balances justice with the broader social implications of this heartbreaking incident.
We earnestly hope the court would temper justice with mercy in this instance and use their discretionary power of leniency to prevail so as not to allow a good deed to end badly for those involved.
