In a highly charged courtroom at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Justice Olawoyin denied bail to two prominent defendants, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun. The case is tied to the tragic stampede during a children’s festive party last December that left at least 35 young lives lost in its wake.
The hearing of their bail applications commenced on Tuesday under heightened security as emotions ran high among the public. The courtroom was packed with legal representatives, with the prosecution team led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN). Sources disclosed that the state government argued for more time to deepen investigations into the incident, which many say is a gross failure of duty of care by the accused.
The Charges and Legal Intricacies
Naomi Silekunola, well-known as the former wife of the influential Yoruba monarch, and Principal Abdullahi Fasasi are facing severe scrutiny over their roles in the ill-fated event. Organized as a joyful holiday gathering, the party quickly turned tragic at Islamic High School, Bashorun, when overcrowding led to a deadly stampede. The government has vowed to ensure accountability for the tragedy, which devastated the Ibadan community and sparked national outrage.
Justice Olawoyin, overseeing proceedings, emphasized the necessity for the court to consider the gravity of the allegations. Addressing the court, Attorney General Oyelowo Oyewo passionately pleaded for caution in granting bail, stating that “justice delayed is not justice denied when lives are lost.” This strong stance aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde’s earlier statements insisting that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring justice for the victims, regardless of the status of those involved.
Public Reactions and Legal Precedent
Governor Makinde’s commitment to justice has garnered widespread attention, as the case raises broader questions about the double standards often witnessed in the Nigerian legal system. Critics have pointed out that similar tragedies in other states, such as Abuja and Anambra, did not lead to high-profile prosecutions, sparking debates over the selectivity of legal processes.
While Makinde has expressed his willingness to support bail when warranted, he maintains that “accountability cannot be circumvented by societal or political standing.”
For many Nigerians, the image of an ex-royal wife in handcuffs epitomizes a turning point in accountability for public tragedies. Legal expert Barrister Olufunke Adebanjo notes, “This case is setting a precedent. It shows that even individuals with notable public profiles are not immune to the long arm of the law, but the public remains watchful for consistency.”
Next in Line: Oriyomi Hamzat’s Bail Application
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned decisions on the bail application of Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM, to Tuesday. Hamzat, also linked to the event, has maintained his innocence and argued his role was limited to amplifying publicity for the children’s party. His legal team contends that his detention is unnecessary, citing his contributions to the community as evidence of good character.
Hamzat’s case has further ignited conversations about media responsibility and the ripple effects of large-scale events poorly managed in crowded cities. As Nigerians await Tuesday’s hearing, questions about how culpability is assigned in such cases continue to dominate discourse.
Heavy Security and Courtroom Tensions
Inside and outside the courtroom on Tuesday, the atmosphere was tense, with security operatives deployed in large numbers to maintain order. Eyewitnesses described scenes of lawyers from the Oyo State Ministry of Justice arriving in full force to represent the state, determined to make a compelling case against granting bail to the defendants.
“All the lawyers from the Ministry of Justice were there, led by the Attorney General himself,” a courtroom source confirmed, reflecting the state’s resolve in this legal battle. The heightened presence of security personnel highlighted the weight of public interest in the proceedings, as the courtroom and its surroundings brimmed with anticipation for updates.
A Waiting Game for Justice
While the bail applications of Silekunola and Fasasi have been denied for now, their cases are set to return to court next week. For grieving families, the adjournment represents both a delay and a glimmer of hope that thorough investigations could lead to accountability.
For the defense, the postponement underscores an uphill battle as they attempt to demonstrate that their clients pose no flight risk and should be granted bail. Supporters of the defendants have argued that prolonged detention is an unnecessary punishment, especially for Silekunola, whose ties to the monarchy have made her a lightning rod for public scrutiny.
However, victims’ families and advocacy groups have pushed back against these arguments. “This isn’t about revenge; it’s about responsibility,” stated Ayo Adewale, a spokesperson for a coalition of concerned citizens in Ibadan. “This tragedy didn’t have to happen, and the law must take its course.”
