The Oyo State Government has initiated a fresh suit against Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based radio station owner; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. These charges are linked to a stampede at a funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The charge sheet, labeled I/05C/2025, was filed before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on Friday, January 10, 2025. The Oyo State Government is listed as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are identified as the defendants.
In the charges, the government accused the defendants of “conspiracy to commit felonies, including murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offense, specifically criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.” Evidence revealed that the accused failed to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event held at the Islamic High School
Their alleged negligence resulted in the stampede that led to the deaths of 35 children, 13 of whom were specifically identified in court documents.
The identified victims include:
- Musiliu Sofiat, female, 8 years
- Lekan Salami, male, 7 years
- Feyikemi Salam, female, 1.5 years
- Olaniyan Joshua, male, 1.5 years
- Laeef Muisi, male, 8 years
- Opeyemi Ayomide, female, 4 years
- Adebayo-Fatimah, female, 4 years
- Adebayo-Abibat, female, 5 years
- Adeyanju Taiwo, female, 8 years
- Salaudeen Khalid, male, minor
- Anjorin Faridat, female, 10 years
- Nahaam Muisi, male, 13 years
- Babatunde Toheeb, male, 18 years
The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Fasasi faces a four-count charge, including conspiracy, causing death through negligence, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
Last week, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, vowed that the state would prosecute the defendants to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The defendants have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024, and remain in prison pending further court proceedings.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has pledged support to his ex-wife, Queen Naomi Silekunola, facing legal charges after a tragic stampede in Ibadan.
This tragedy underscores the importance of enforcing safety standards for public events to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
Read Also: Ibadan Stampede: Actress Opeyemi Aiyeola cancels charity
Read Also: Ibadan stampede: God will vindicate you, Ooni assures ex-wife
