The dismissal of murder charges against Naomi Silekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and school principal Abdullahi Fasasi, brought a sense of relief after a harrowing ordeal stemming from a tragic stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident, which occurred in December 2024 during an event intended for children, claimed the lives of 35 young individuals, casting a long shadow of grief and legal proceedings over the accused. Silekunola, deeply affected by the tragedy, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the profound impact the incident had on her as a mother and advocate for children. The charges, initially brought forth by the Oyo State Government, led to the trio’s incarceration at Agodi Correctional Centre, where they spent the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The legal battle culminated in a court hearing where the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, made a pivotal move by applying for the withdrawal of the charges. Justice B.K. Olawoyin, presiding over the case, subsequently struck out the case and dismissed the murder charges against Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi. This decision marked the end of their legal entanglement and allowed them to step away from the shadow of criminal accusations. Silekunola, choosing to remain silent during the legal proceedings due to a court order, broke her silence after the ruling, sharing her reflections on the challenging period and expressing gratitude for the support she received.
Silekunola’s statement, posted via her Instagram handle, conveyed a mix of relief, grief, and appreciation. She acknowledged the pain and loss experienced by the affected families, emphasizing the irreparable nature of their grief. While expressing gratitude for the Oyo State Government’s decision to withdraw the charges, which she attributed to a “compassionate consideration,” Silekunola underscored that the emotional scars of the tragedy remained. The incident, initially intended as a positive event, turned into a deeply sorrowful experience for all involved.
The ordeal, though legally concluded, left a lasting emotional impact on Silekunola. Despite the relief brought by the dismissal of charges, she acknowledged the lingering grief within herself and the community. She sought prayers for continued healing and expressed her heartfelt sympathy for the families who lost their children. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Beyond the legal proceedings, Silekunola’s statement also highlighted the outpouring of support she received during the challenging time. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering love and prayers from her family, religious leaders, and supporters worldwide. The solidarity she experienced reaffirmed her belief in the power of human connection and empathy, providing solace and strength during a period of immense personal hardship. The genuine and non-judgmental support Silekunola received underscored the importance of community in navigating difficult life experiences.
In the aftermath of the legal battle, Silekunola’s focus shifted towards healing and moving forward. While the legal aspect of the ordeal had concluded, the emotional recovery process continued. Her statement emphasized the need for ongoing support and understanding for all those affected by the tragedy. The incident served as a poignant reminder of the importance of resilience, compassion, and the power of community in overcoming adversity. The dismissed charges allowed Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi to embark on a path of healing and rebuilding their lives, carrying with them the lessons learned from this difficult experience. Their journey, though marked by tragedy, demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for hope even in the face of profound loss.
