Court Orders Detention of Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Oriyomi Hamzat, Following Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre....CONTINUE READING>>>

The order, issued on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, followed their arraignment in connection with a tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair that claimed 35 lives and injured six others. The funfair, held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, turned fatal last week, casting a shadow over the festive season.

Police prosecutor Oluwatobi Adebayo presented a four-count charge against the accused, citing alleged negligence and other actions that reportedly contributed to the stampede. The charges were brought under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi ordered the trio’s remand pending advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Further court proceedings will depend on the DPP’s legal recommendations.

The arraignment drew significant public attention, with a heavy security presence at the courthouse to maintain order. Crowds gathered as the defendants were escorted in and out of the premises under tight security.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for accountability from various quarters. Families of the victims are grieving and demanding justice, while concerns about the safety and organization of public events have taken center stage.

As the community mourns, the court has yet to announce the next hearing date, awaiting the DPP’s report. The incident has left a profound impact on Ibadan, overshadowing Christmas celebrations with sorrow and reflection.