BREAKING: Oyo Court Grants Bail To Ex-Ooni’s Wife, Oriyomi Hamzat, School Principal Over Deadly Stampede 

Ibadan, Oyo State– The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to three defendants involved in the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.

Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin on Monday approved the bail applications filed by Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the school principal.

Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat was granted bail on stringent terms, including a N10 million bond and two sureties.

The court also ordered that his radio station, Agidigbo FM, must refrain from broadcasting news related to the case.

The defendants had previously argued their bail applications last Tuesday, asserting that they posed no flight risk and were ready to cooperate with the investigation.

However, the Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the motion, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims.

Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), counsel to Hamzat, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “We argued that our client deserved bail based on certain conditions, and we are pleased with the court’s ruling.”

The defendants were arrested following the tragic event at the school, where a festive children’s party turned deadly due to overcrowding and poor safety measures.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted on accountability, saying that those responsible for the incident must face trial.

However, he clarified that he supports the court’s decision to grant bail under appropriate conditions.

The next court proceedings in the case are expected to focus on the substantive charges against the accused.