Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has set Tuesday, January 13, 2025, to deliver his ruling on the bail application for former Ooni of Ife’s queen, Naomi Silekunola; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Abdulahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The trio is facing trial over a stampede during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024, which claimed the lives of over 35 children.
The bail applications were heard on Tuesday, with separate arguments presented by the defendants’ counsel: Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) for ex-Queen Naomi, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) for Hamzat, and Waheed Olajide for Fasasi.
The state, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the applications, citing insufficient grounds for bail.
Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case after five hours of legal arguments, stating that the ruling would be delivered next week.
Meanwhile, the defendants remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi.
The stampede, which has drawn public outrage, prompted Governor Seyi Makinde to vow justice for the victims. The tragedy has been described by critics, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, as reflective of systemic failures in Nigeria.
