The Oyo State Government, on Thursday 20 March 2025, officially withdrew the criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a children’s festive party in December 2024.
This was confirm by the Attorney General who, speaking during a live coverage, said: “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.
“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.
“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.’’
With the case withdrawal, the judge will most likely strike out the case, freeing Naomi, and other persons.