Oyo files 18 charges against Ooni’s ex-wife, Oriyomi Hamzat over Ibadan stampede
By Jeffrey Agbo
Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count criminal charge against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with radio proprietor Oriyomi Hamzat and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, following the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan that claimed over 35 lives.
The case, filed at the Oyo State High Court on January 10, 2025, accuses the trio of offences including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence.
According to the charge sheet obtained by PUNCH on Sunday, their alleged failure to provide adequate security, crowd control and medical facilities during the event led to the stampede that resulted in multiple deaths including those of 35 children.
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The charges are brought under Sections 308, 344, and 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The school principal, Mr Fasasi, faces additional four-count charges related to conspiracy, negligence and failure to ensure safety at the event.
While the Director of Public Prosecution’s advice is still pending, the government’s legal action underscores its commitment to securing justice for the victims of the disaster, which has drawn widespread public outrage.