The Oyo State Government has officially dropped all charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola (ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife), popular broadcaster and owner of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The trio had faced legal prosecution after a tragic stampede during a children’s festive party in December 2024, which led to the death of at least 35 children.
At the court session held on Thursday, the three accused individuals appeared visibly relieved as the charges were withdrawn. They were seen exchanging pleasantries after the verdict.
Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision during a media briefing. He explained that although the event was tragic, the government chose to prioritize fairness and compassion.
“It was a heartbreaking loss of young lives,” Aikomo stated in a Facebook Live broadcast by SaharaReporters. “The law had to take its course, but considering the remorse and cooperation shown by the accused, we felt it was in the interest of justice to discontinue the case.”
Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to the accused with conditions including a ₦10 million bail bond each, two sureties, and the surrender of their passports. They were also instructed not to engage in any media discussions while the case was ongoing.
The incident had caused widespread outrage, with grieving families calling for justice. Governor Seyi Makinde initially promised that all those responsible would face prosecution but later indicated that the legal process would be respected.
Despite the public outcry and initial opposition to bail by the prosecution, the defense team highlighted the full cooperation of their clients during investigations.
The dropping of charges brings an end to a difficult and emotional legal battle, closing a painful chapter in Oyo State’s history.
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