Queen Naomi Silekunola And Oriyomi Hamzat’s Trial Takes New Turn

The trial of Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Adigbo FM in Ibadan, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, has taken a new turn. The court has postponed the case for two weeks, leaving the accused in uncertainty.

The three are facing 18 charges from the Oyo State Government related to a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children during a year-end party hosted by Silekunola on December 18, 2024.

On Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Chief Justice Ladiran Akintola paused the trial. He stated that the accused must first deal with the emotional and financial impact on the victims’ families before moving forward with the case.

The sudden delay came after the defendants asked for more time to arrange compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.

Abiodun Aikomo, a spokesperson for the Oyo State Government, confirmed that although the trial was scheduled to start, the defense requested a postponement to negotiate with the victims’ families.

Representing Silekunola, senior lawyer Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) argued for a necessary delay to reach a peaceful agreement. He noted that negotiations were underway and was confident that compensation would be resolved within the set time.

The case originates from December 2024, when a children’s funfair tragically ended in a stampede in the parking lot.

Naomi, Oriyiomi, and Fasasi were seen in court on February 18, 2025, facing serious charges like murder, manslaughter, and conspiracy to commit criminal negligence under the Criminal Code of Oyo State.

With the trial currently paused for two weeks, all attention is on what the court will do next.