Reports of the devastating news of the stampede which led to the loss of 35 children, at ex-queen of Ile-Ife, Naomi Silekunola’s funfair continues to sink in leaving a trail of grief for the families of the victims.
After being held in custody since 19 December 2024, and denied bail, the defendant and others connected to the case have now been charged with murder. They face jail time up to life imprisonment or the death penalty for homicide according to Nigeria’s Criminal Law.
Details of the event that led to the stampede
The event that led to the unfortunate loss of lives was organised by the former queen in collaboration with an Ibadan-based radio station — Agidigbo FM, as the event’s media partners. According to the radio broadcast for the event, organisers announced the provision of food and gift items for 5,000 children.
However, nearly 8,000 turned up as early as 5 a.m. for the funfair held on 18 December 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan. Omolewa Azeez, a witness at the venue with her 7-year-old son, told Anadolu that she arrived at 6 a.m. (05:00GMT) to meet a crowd trying to force themselves into the premises.
Multiple eyewitness accounts indicated that the stampede occurred when participants rushed to gain access to the venue. “Many people fell and were trampled, while others fainted due to the intense pressure of the crowd,” Omolewa said, adding that some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue.
Arrests made in connection to the incident
On 19 December 2024, the Oyo State Police Command disclosed the arrest of Silekunola and seven others including the proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdulahi Fasasi, in connection with the stampede.
Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor, also vowed that the state would prosecute the defendants irrespective of their social status.
The defendants, who have been in custody since their arrests, were first arraigned before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court on 24 December 2024, and subsequently remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre.
They were brought before the court again on 7 January 2025 for a bail hearing. However, the Court did not grant their bail applications and adjourned the case until 13 January 2025.
Criminal charges brought against the defendants
The Oyo State Government, on Friday, 10 January 2025, filed 18 counts of criminal charges, bordering on murder and manslaughter against the defendants. The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The Oyo State Government was listed as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat and Babatunde were named defendants.
In the 18 counts, the government accused the defendants of “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.” The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The state alleges that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair.”
Oyo court grants the defendants bail
Following the resumption of the court proceedings on 13 January 2025, a High Court sitting in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, granted the defendants bail. While delivering a ruling on the bail application, Justice Olawoyin admitted the ex-queen and her co-defendants to bail in the sum of ₦10 million each with two reliable sureties.
According to him, the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case due to the murder charge contained in the charge sheet. He added that there was no place for holding charges in the constitution and keeping them in custody would amount to infringement of their rights.
Furthermore, he said the stampede incident was not a premeditated act, hence, the defendants were entitled to bail. Justice Olawoyin then directed that the defendants submit their international passports to the court and not grant any press interview on print or social media during the pendency of the case.
Misplaced priorities or justice?
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni of Ife shared that the former queen, Naomi, has “always cared for children, especially the underprivileged. She organised about four charitable events while at the palace, and continued after leaving the palace.”
Since the arrest of the defendants, sympathisers have condemned the actions of the government, with many calling for the unconditional release of the defendants and compensation of the victims’ families, attributing the tragedy to the widespread poverty affecting many Nigerians.
While the loss of life is undeniably tragic and deserving of thorough investigation, it is imperative that the defendants receive a fair and impartial trial, untainted by the emotions and outrage that understandably accompany such a tragedy. Moreover, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the government’s fundamental responsibility to provide basic amenities and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Rather than vilifying a well-meaning philanthropist, the government would do well to focus on addressing the systemic issues that led to this tragedy. Only by doing so can we truly honour the memories of those who lost their lives and work towards a more just and compassionate society for all.
