Ibadan Tragedy: Oyo State Drops Charges Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Oriyomi Hamzat
The Oyo State Government has officially dropped all charges against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the brain behind Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun. This unexpected turn of events follows the tragic funfair stampede of December 2024, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
When the heartbreaking incident happened, emotions ran high. With so many young lives lost, the state wasted no time in filing charges against those believed to be involved. But in a surprising twist, after careful legal review, the government decided to withdraw the case entirely.
At Thursday’s court session, the three defendants walked out with a weight off their shoulders. Smiles, handshakes, and sighs of relief filled the air, proof that the nightmare was finally over for them.
Oyo State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, explained the decision. He explained that while the law must take its course when deaths occur under unnatural circumstances, justice isn’t just about punishing people; it’s about fairness.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to many deaths,” Aikomo stated. Initially, the state moved to prosecute based on investigations. But the individuals involved showed deep empathy and compassion toward the affected families.”
At the end of the day, the essence of the law isn’t just to penalize but to ensure balance and fairness. The AG made it clear: “We felt that the purpose of prosecution is not to destroy lives. It’s about justice. So, in the interest of fairness, we decided to discontinue the case. The charges have been struck out. They are free.”
With this chapter closed, everyone is left wondering: What measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future? While justice is one thing, ensuring the safety of children at public events should be a priority from now on.
This case might be over, but the lessons remain. One thing is clear—Ibadan will never forget December 2024. Let’s hope this serves as a wake-up call for better event planning and crowd control.
