Oyo State Rocks Courtroom: 18 Manslaughter Charges Filed Against Ooni’s Ex-Queen and Others

The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge, including manslaughter, against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi, Principal of Islamic High School, over the tragic Christmas Funfair stampede in Ibadan that claimed 35 children’s lives.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a government insider, the charges were directly linked to the fatal incident.

“The state government has filed an 18-count charge of manslaughter and related offences, and while bail may be granted on Monday, the defendants are facing serious allegations,” the source stated.

During a hearing at the Oyo State High Court on January 7, the defence team pleaded for the defendants’ release on bail, emphasizing their cooperation with the investigation and low flight risk.

Defence lawyers also challenged the legality of their detention, criticizing the “holding charge” used to remand them as inconsistent with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Leading the prosecution, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo opposed the bail applications, arguing that the severity of the charges and the need for justice warranted continued detention. He dismissed accusations of persecution as unfounded.

“The charges’ gravity and the victims’ families’ right to justice require the accused to remain in custody,” Aikomo asserted.

Justice K.B. Olawoyin, after hearing both sides, deferred his decision on the bail applications until Monday, January 13, 2025.

The case involves three prominent defendants:

• Naomi Silekunola: Former wife of the Ooni of Ife.
• Oriyomi Hamzat: CEO of Agidigbo FM.
• Fasasi Abdullahi: Principal of Islamic High School.