The controversy surrounding the Ibadan funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors took another turn as a High Court in Ibadan adjourned its ruling on the bail applications for the suspects involved. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, presiding over the case, scheduled the decision for Tuesday, January 13, 2025, after hearing arguments from both sides.

The suspects—Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the school—are facing charges including conspiracy, causing death by negligence, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. They were initially arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Iyaganku on these charges.

During a proceeding that lasted over five hours, defense counsels argued for their clients’ release on bail, citing insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention at the Agodi Correctional Centre. Conversely, the Oyo State Government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications. The government highlighted compelling reasons to deny the suspects' release, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

The tragic stampede occurred during a funfair organized by Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debates over event safety and accountability.

Notably, similar stampedes during food distribution in Anambra and Abuja occurred days after the Ibadan tragedy, collectively resulting in another 35 fatalities. These events have amplified calls for stricter measures to prevent such disasters and ensure public safety.