By Habeeb Ibrahim
Renowned broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, alongside Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, will spend the Christmas holiday in detention following their remand by an Ibadan magistrate court.
The incident, which occurred during a Christmas party organized for children, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, ordered their detention alongside school principal Fasasi Abdullahi at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The court deferred taking their pleas due to jurisdictional constraints, stating that their remand would continue until the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) provides legal advice.
The stampede took place at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a funfair organized by WINGS (Women In Need of Guidance and Support), a foundation established by Silekunola. Prosecutors allege that the organizers failed to ensure adequate security and safety measures, leading to the chaos that caused the deaths of minors aged five months to 13 years.
Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, the prosecutor, charged the defendants with conspiracy, negligence, and manslaughter, arguing that their actions directly contributed to the tragic loss of lives.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that eight individuals, including Hamzat and Silekunola, have been arrested in connection with the incident, with investigations now being led by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The tragedy has stirred a wave of reactions, with many questioning the preparedness of the event organizers and the overall safety standards at public gatherings.
