The legal proceedings involving Naomi Silekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Adigbo FM in Ibadan, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, have taken a new twist as the court has postponed the trial for two weeks, leaving the accused in limbo.
The trio faces 18 charges brought by the Oyo State Government in connection with a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a year-end party organized by Silekunola on December 18, 2024.
During the court session at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on Monday, March 10, 2025, Chief Justice Ladiran Akintola halted proceedings, emphasizing that the accused must first address the emotional and financial losses suffered by the victims’ families before the trial resumes.
The unexpected delay followed a request from the defense for additional time to arrange compensation for the families of the deceased and those injured in the incident.
Abiodun Aikomo, a spokesperson for the Oyo State Government, confirmed that although the trial was set to begin, the defense sought a postponement to negotiate settlements with the affected families.
Senior lawyer Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), representing Silekunola, argued that the postponement was essential to reaching a peaceful resolution. He expressed confidence that the negotiations would lead to a satisfactory settlement within the given timeframe.
The case stems from the December 2024 tragedy, when a children’s funfair ended in a devastating stampede in the venue’s parking lot.
Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi were arraigned on February 18, 2025, facing serious charges including murder, manslaughter, and conspiracy to commit criminal negligence under the Criminal Code of Oyo State.
With the trial now on hold for two weeks, all eyes are on the next steps the court will take in this high-profile case.
