Ibadan funfair tragedy: My heart still grieves, says Ooni’s ex-queen

A former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, has applauded the dismissal of criminal charges against her and two others over a stampede incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, which led to the death of 35 children.

She, however, says her heart still grieves over the tragedy.

PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Government had in December 2024 filed murder charges against the ex-queen, popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun,  Abdullahi Fasasi.

The defendants spent nearly a month at Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan and spent Christmas and New Year’s Day in custody before they were released on bail.

At the Thursday proceedings, the  Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, applied to withdraw the charges before an Oyo State High Court.

Following the application, the judge, Justice B.K. Olawoyin struck out the case and dismissed the murder charges.

Reacting to the ruling in a post via her Instagram handle on Thursday, Silekunola stated that she had been silent on the matter due to a court order but expressed relief at the outcome.

She wrote, “As a woman and a mother who for many years has been a passionate lover and advocate of children, my heart bleeds and goes out to the bereaved families whose children lost their lives in the event of December 18, 2024, which was intended for good but later ended up in a sad experience for us all.

“My prayer is for God to comfort the families and rest the souls of the children who lost their lives in the unfortunate occurrence. May the Lord restore their joy and grant each of them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

She appreciated the Oyo State Government for acting in good faith and also expressed gratitude to her family, religious leaders, and supporters for the love and prayers she received during her ordeal.

“Through God, in His infinite mercies today, the charges against us were withdrawn after a compassionate consideration from the Oyo State Government, having considered our intention and our attitude towards all that has happened.

“Though we feel relieved by the outcome of today’s court proceeding, my heart and the hearts of everyone directly affected still grieve the loss. I pray for our healing and ask for your prayers also.

“I have received love so pure, so genuine, with no iota of discrimination and prejudice… My dearest nuclear and extended family, my spiritual daddies and mummies, my loving ardent followers and fans spread across the globe, my friends, volunteers, and partners of Wings. Indeed, eniyan laso mi! You all prayed for me, on me, and with me. Ha! Thank you!! I couldn’t believe my ears and my eyes.”