Stampede: Sympathisers Seek Ooni’s Ex-Queen, Oriyomi Hamzat’s Release

Hundreds of supporters of Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, have demanded their release.

The two are being held in connection with the deaths of several children following a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, on December 18, 2024.

Silekunola and Hamzat are now remanded at the state’s Agodi Correctional Centre, according to a court order issued on Tuesday by presiding Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Magistrate’s Court 1 in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Fasasi Abdullahi, the Principal of the Islamic High School in Ibadan where the event was conducted, has also been remanded.

On Thursday, Drive TV News released a video on its YouTube channel featuring the sympathisers.

Some sympathisers gathered at the Nigerian Television Authority’s Ibadan Network Centre, kneeling and wailing.

They expressed their dissatisfaction at Silekunola and Hamzat’s arrests, claiming that they benefited from their generosity.

A man identified as Peluola Akintayo stated, “I’m appealing to the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for the release of Oriyomi and the others who were arrested.”

A businesswoman identified as Kareem Toyin from the Afijio area of the state, who claimed to be the spokesperson of the market women, stated, “This man who was arrested, Alhaji Hamzat Oriyomi, is our assistance. He always assists those in need. When we learnt of the occurrence, we were upset. We are utilising this medium to ask the impacted people to have mercy on him, Queen Naomi, and the principal.

“We’re pleading with the FG and the state government to be merciful to our helper. He answers us financially and ethically, particularly us, market women.

“Most of the people who he used to assist with their feeding and well-being are at home crying. There are also people to whom he pays a monthly sum, as well as students for whom he pays school tuition.”

A police officer who identified himself as the Divisional Police Officer of the Yemetu Police Division addressed the audience.

“My area commander is on his way, and I’m trying to convey that information to you. The NTA managers are here, and they have brought their cameras. “They will listen to you and broadcast your procession,” he said.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case until January 13, 2025, which means the accused will spend Christmas and New Year’s in detention.