IBADAN STAMPEDE :OYO GOVT WITHDRAWS 18-COUNT MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE AGAINST OONI’S EX-WIFE, OTHERS
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The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The trio had been facing legal action following the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive party in December 2024.
The announcement of their discharge came during a court hearing on Thursday, where the defendants, visibly elated, exchanged smiles and pleasantries, signaling their relief at being cleared of any criminal liability in the unfortunate incident.
The stampede, which shocked the nation, had initially raised concerns over safety measures at public events, leading to widespread calls for accountability. However, after months of legal proceedings and investigations, the government opted to drop the charges, citing insufficient evidence or other legal considerations.
While the development has sparked mixed reactions among the public, legal experts suggest that the decision might have been influenced by a lack of concrete proof directly linking the accused to the unfortunate tragedy. Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to demand justice and stricter safety regulations to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
As the dust settles on the case, many are left wondering what measures will be put in place to ensure children’s safety at similar events in the future.
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