Media Reports Explain Why Oyo State Government Charged Ooni's Ex-wife and Others to Court in Relation to the Ibadan Stampede

Media reports stated the Oyo State Government charged Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, a radio station proprietor, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, due to their alleged negligence that led to the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair on December 18, 2024. The stampede, which resulted in the death of 35 children, occurred because of what the state described as a failure to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities at the event. The government argued that these omissions constituted gross negligence and were directly responsible for the loss of innocent lives.

According to the charge sheet filed on January 10, 2025, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, the defendants face an 18-count charge, including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The charges are based on provisions under the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The government insists that their actions—or lack thereof—were contrary to Sections 308, 324, and 344 of the law and punishable under the same code. This move to prosecute is seen as an effort by the state to ensure accountability and justice for the families of the victims.

The prosecution listed the names of 14 out of the 35 deceased children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Among them were children as young as 1.5 years, including Feyikemi Salam and Olaniyan Joshua, as well as older minors like Anjorin Faridat, aged 10, and Babatunde Toheeb, aged 18. The loss of these young lives has plunged families and communities into grief, prompting calls for those responsible to be held accountable.

The incident, described as a preventable tragedy, occurred during what should have been a joyous occasion. According to the state, the organizers neglected their duty to ensure the safety of attendees, particularly the children. The lack of proper crowd management and medical preparedness is believed to have exacerbated the situation, turning the funfair into a disaster. The charges against the defendants reflect the government’s position that their actions were not only negligent but criminally so, given the devastating consequences.

Governor Seyi Makinde, speaking on the matter, expressed his administration’s resolve to prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. The governor emphasized that such incidents could not be tolerated and that ensuring justice for the victims was a priority. The defendants, who have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024, await trial as the legal process unfolds.

The case has sparked public debate about the responsibilities of event organizers and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It also raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures at public gatherings, particularly those involving children. While the government’s decision to prosecute has been lauded by many, it has also drawn criticism from some quarters, with allegations of heavy-handedness and claims of illegal detention by the defendants.

Regardless of differing opinions, the case highlights the critical importance of accountability in ensuring public safety. The Oyo State Government's actions send a strong message that negligence with such grave consequences will not go unpunished. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the charges, but the outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for event management and safety standards across the state and beyond.