Former Christian school director on trial denies paddling students

The man accused of abuse during his time as executive director at Legacy Christian Academy denies ever hitting his former students.

In Saskatoon provincial court on Tuesday, John Olubobokun took the stand denying the allegations behind the nine charges of assault with a weapon.

In June, former students testified they were paddled while attending the school.

“Is it your testimony that you never struck any of these people with either a paddle or any object, or even with your hand,” Piche asked him.

“That is my testimony,” Olubobokun replied.

John Olubobokun outside Saskatoon Provincial Court on June 19, 2024. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)

Olubobokun started his position in 2003, serving four years at the school, that was then known as Christian Centre Academy. The school has now been renamed as Valour Academy.

While on the stand Olubobokun said he was aware of paddling at the school, but reiterated that he never did so himself. He said he did not have a paddle in his office, and explained that was a role taken on by the principal.

Olubobokun said he “did not recall hearing any” students being hit with paddles.

He also testified that the school removed the use of paddles following the Supreme Court Ruling on corporal punishment in 2003.

Read more:

• Trial begins for former executive director of Legacy Christian Academy
• Former students at religious school in Saskatoon file class action
• Legacy Christian Academy athletic director handed two-year sentence

Scoffs and murmurs trickled throughout the courtroom from former students sitting in the gallery as Olubobokun denied physically hitting the former students involved in the trial.

During cross examination with Crown prosecutor Sheryl Fillo, Olubobokun explained that he had minimal involvement in disciplinary actions taken at the school, stating his role was for spiritual and scriptural oversight and administration.

Former student Caitlin Erickson — one of the plaintiffs in a $25-million class-action lawsuit against the school, and a witnesses who testified against Olubobokun last June — said the number of trial delays have been disheartening.

Olubobokun’s trial began in June, 2024, but was then adjourned after his lawyer asked to examine witness testimony and present new witnesses.

Three days before the trial was set to resume on Oct. 23 the court was told at a hearing that Olubobokun had fired his lawyer and hired a new one on Aug. 1, who needed more time to get up to speed on the trial.

“We’ve already done our job as the victims last summer … (getting) on the stand and testified. So we’re really happy that this day is finally getting here,” Erickson said.

She said that sitting in the courtroom with Olubobokun brought up a lot of emotions but it was part of the steps the victims had to take to get justice.

“Our testimony was really consistent. Everybody was very consistent and truthful. And it’s easy when you’re telling the truth.

“I believe that the justice system is going to do their job. We’ve done everything through due process,” Erickson said.

Other staff members charged with assault

In January 2024, former principal Ken Schultz pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and assault with a weapon. He was also charged with another count of sexual assault and assault with a weapon in July.

Also in January,  former athletic director Aaron Travis Benneweis was handed a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor.

In September 2024, a 44-year-old woman was charged after allegedly assaulting a then 7-year-old boy. The mother of the child believes gym teacher Terra MacEwan is the sister of Benneweis.

The allegations emerging from the school prompted the Saskatchewan government to increase its oversight at independent schools.