A significant development unfolded in Ibadan as Justice K.B Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, alongside media personality Oriyomi Hazmat and a school principal. The trio faces serious charges following a devastating stampede at a charity event that claimed the lives of 32 children last December.
The court’s decision comes amid heightened public interest in a case that has shocked Nigeria’s southwestern region and raised crucial questions about event safety and charitable organization protocols. The defendants, who were previously held at the Agodi Correctional Facility, secured their temporary freedom under strict conditions that reflect the gravity of the charges against them.
Justice Olawoyin’s ruling established five stringent bail conditions, demonstrating the court’s careful balance between the defendants’ rights and public safety concerns. Each defendant must post a N10 million bail bond and present two sureties who own land within the court’s jurisdiction. The court also mandated the surrender of their international passports and imposed a media silence order, prohibiting the defendants from granting interviews while the case proceeds. Additionally, Hazmat’s media organization, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, has been barred from broadcasting news related to the case.
The Oyo State Government’s prosecution team has filed an 18-count criminal charge against the defendants, encompassing serious allegations including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The charges stem from what investigators describe as a catastrophic failure to implement adequate security measures, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the charity event at the Islamic High School.
The tragedy unfolded during what was intended to be a benevolent initiative by the former queen, who had partnered with Agidigbo 88.7 FM to organize a food distribution program for underprivileged members of the community. However, the event’s poor organization and inadequate crowd management reportedly led to chaos, resulting in a deadly stampede that claimed 32 young lives.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants’ actions violated Sections 308 and 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The prosecution argues that the defendants’ failure to ensure basic safety measures directly contributed to the loss of life, transforming what should have been an act of charity into a scene of unprecedented tragedy.
The case has sparked intense debate about the regulation of charitable events and the responsibilities of public figures and organizations when organizing mass gatherings. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this trial could set important precedents for event management and safety protocols in Nigeria, particularly for charitable initiatives involving large crowds.
The involvement of Naomi Silekunola, whose previous position as the wife of one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers has added another layer of public interest to the case. Her fall from grace – from being the queen of the ancient Ile-Ife kingdom to facing serious criminal charges – has captured national attention and highlighted the thin line between charitable intentions and negligent execution.
The tragedy has also raised questions about the role of media organizations in charitable events, as exemplified by the involvement of Agidigbo 88.7 FM and its owner, Oriyomi Hazmat. The court’s specific restriction on the station’s coverage of the case underscores the complex interplay between media freedom and judicial process in high-profile cases.
As the case proceeds, the defendants must navigate their temporary freedom while adhering to the court’s strict conditions. The bail terms, particularly the media silence requirement, suggest the judiciary’s concern about potential interference with the legal process through public commentary or media influence.
The case continues to serve as a somber reminder of the importance of proper event planning and safety measures, especially when organizing charitable activities for vulnerable populations. As the legal proceedings unfold, many observers hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to stronger safety protocols and more rigorous oversight of public gatherings in Nigeria.
