Esther Igomu
A devastating incident occurred on December 18, 2024, at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, resulting in the loss of 35 young lives.
The Oyo State Government has taken swift action, filing an eight-count charge against three key individuals in connection with the tragic event.
The defendants, named as Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Abdulahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, face charges bordering on murder and manslaughter.
According to the charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, the government accuses the defendants of conspiracy to commit a felony, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The prosecution alleges that the defendants negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
The charge sheet reveals the names and details of 14 out of the 35 children who lost their lives in the incident. The victims include children as young as 2 years old.Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, faces a four-count charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had vowed to prosecute those responsible for the tragedy.
The defendants have been in prison custody since December 24, following their arrest by the police.
The case is a somber reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for proper safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
