Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife was the scene of a heated protest on Monday as students chased out representatives of former Vice Chancellor Professor Wale Omole during an orientation programme for freshers.
DAILY POST reports that Monday’s incident underscored lingering tensions surrounding the tragic cult-related killings of five students at the university in 1999.
The protest erupted when a delegation led by the Laaroke of Wanikin, Oba ‘Kole Ojutalayo, arrived at Oduduwa Hall to represent the Omole Foundation at the orientation event.
As they entered the venue, students, supported by the Student Union (SU) leadership, confronted the group, chanting Aluta slogans and demanding that the former Vice Chancellor’s representatives leave.
The protesters expressed their belief that Omole and his associates lacked the moral authority to address students in light of their alleged connection to the brutal killings of George Iwilade, known as Afrika, and four other students of the institution.
The students maintained that the events of 1999 continued to cast a long shadow over OAU’s history, alleging that Professor Omole had a role in the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The outrage was palpable as students voiced their anger and frustration, making it clear that the wounds of the past have not healed.
Confirming the students’ actions, Aka Daniel, the Public Relations Officer of the Student Union, stated, “The students chased out the representatives because of suspicions that he may have had something to do with the 1999 incident.”
Reacting through the institution’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the university management disapproved of the students’ actions.
Olanrewaju condemned the protest, stating, “It is so unfortunate that the students do not understand the difference between the Omole Foundation and the person of the VC. It was his foundation that was in school today, and they were chased out.”
