Former director of a private Christian school in Saskatoon, Canada, John Olubobokun, has been found guilty on nine counts of assault with a weapon for repeatedly striking students with a wooden paddle during his time at Christian Centre Academy, a role he held beginning in 2003.
The institution has since undergone name changes, becoming Legacy Christian Academy and later Valour Academy.
Judge Lisa Watson delivered her decision Monday afternoon in provincial court, stating that the Crown had proven the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
She provided detailed accounts of each victim’s testimony, which described how students were called into Olubobokun’s office, told to bend over a desk or chair, and then hit multiple times.
Several students said the punishment left them bruised, and one testified that the paddle broke during an incident.
The courtroom was charged with emotion as the verdicts were read. Former students and supporters responded with audible sighs of relief before breaking down in tears and embracing each other.
“To have the justice systems say this wasn’t OK, that’s very validating and healing for everybody,” said Caitlin Erickson, a former student. “Very emotional … it’s been a very long time for us to wait to have our day in court and for justice to play out finally.”
She emphasized that the ruling was a victory not just for the complainants who testified but for all former students of the school.
The trial began in June 2024 with testimonies from nine students and other Crown witnesses and resumed in March for the defence phase.
During closing arguments, defence lawyer Ron Piché questioned the credibility of the allegations, asking why students hadn’t reported the incidents to their parents or police and noting the absence of photographs of bruising.
He also referenced a dismissed $25-million civil class action suit to suggest potential financial motivation.
Debate during the trial included reference to Section 43 of the Criminal Code, which permits reasonable force by teachers or guardians for corrective purposes, provided it does not exceed what is deemed acceptable.
A 2004 Supreme Court ruling clarified that “reasonable” force cannot involve the use of objects and must have only a “transitory and trifling” effect.
Crown prosecutor Sheryl Fillo argued that the use of a wooden paddle disqualified Olubobokun from protection under Section 43.
She also highlighted the tight-knit relationship between the school and its affiliated church, explaining the immense pressure and fear students and their families faced in speaking out.
“These were people that were at the church almost daily — at the school, at the church, at this building, almost daily,” Fillo said.
Olubobokun’s sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
