Oyo Government Sparks Outrage by Dropping Charges Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Others in Deadly Stampede Case

 

The Oyo State Government has ignited controversy after abruptly dropping criminal charges against Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, Naomi Silekunola, Agidigbo FM owner Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun. The trio had been facing legal action over the December 2024 stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event.

 

The sudden move, announced on Thursday, March 20, has drawn widespread backlash from victims’ families and the public, who demand accountability for the tragedy. Many question why the government—after initially pushing for justice—chose to free the accused despite the scale of the disaster.

 

A video circulating online shows Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi celebrating their release, smiling and exchanging pleasantries, further fueling outrage among those who believe justice has been denied.

 

Defending the decision, Oyo State Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo claimed the government prioritized “justice over persecution” and cited the defendants’ “empathy and compassion” as reasons for discontinuing the case.

 

However, critics argue that the move reeks of political interference and favoritism, especially given Governor Seyi Makinde’s earlier insistence that those responsible must face trial. Victims’ families have slammed the government’s decision, calling it a betrayal and demanding a reconsideration of the case.

 

As the controversy intensifies, many are left wondering whether justice in Oyo State is truly for all—or only for the privileged few.