Court clears charges against ex-Ooni’s wife and others in Ibadan stampede case
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan dismissed murder charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School.
The trio had been facing charges related to the tragic stampede at a children’s event in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
Justice B.K. Olawoyin ruled that holding the defendants accountable for the incident could discourage people from organizing helpful community events.
The court threw out the four charges, including causing death by negligence, conspiracy, and failing to provide adequate medical support and security.
Speaking about the court’s decision, the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Biodun Aikomo, said, “It is in the interest of justice to discontinue this case. So we withdrew the charges and it was struck out by the court. There is no case against them anymore, they are now free.”
