Supporters of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have initiated a petition seeking a fair trial for her and two others who were remanded on Tuesday in connection with a tragic incident that occurred during a funfair event last Wednesday. The tragedy took place at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, during a carnival intended to bring joy to children but resulted in chaos.
According to reports from the Oyo Police Command, 35 minors lost their lives, and six others sustained critical injuries in the stampede that erupted during the children’s Christmas party.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan did not take the defendants’ pleas due to a lack of jurisdiction, ordering that Silekunola, along with popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hazmat, 51, and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi, 56, be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan.
The three individuals are facing a four-count charge that includes conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm, linked to their alleged roles in organizing and managing the ill-fated event.
In her ruling, Mrs. Ogunkanmi stated that the remand is pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and adjourned the case until January 13 for further mention. Meanwhile, Yetunde Ola, who launched the petition on change.org titled “Demand Fair Judicial Process for Queen Silekunola Naomi,” emphasized that the former queen has been a significant source of hope in her community, often seen extending a helping hand to those in need.
