Student leaders in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, took to the streets on Tuesday to stage a protest against Professor Ayodeji Agboola, the Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye. The protest was in response to the university’s forthcoming Students Union Government (SUG) election.
The students, under the umbrella of the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), marched to the Oke-Mosan office of Governor Dapo Abiodun to submit a protest letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor.
Carrying placards to draw Governor Abiodun’s attention, the students highlighted what they described as “pressing issues” plaguing Olabisi Onabanjo University.
According to the protesting students, all attempts to engage in peaceful resolutions and dialogues with the university management have been futile, compelling them to seek the intervention of the governor.
In their protest letter, the student leaders accused Professor Agboola of manipulating the Student Union Electoral Commission.
“Allegations of interference and manipulation in the Student Union elections at OOU are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough and impartial investigation,” they stated.
The letter also highlighted allegations of financial misappropriation and extortion against the Vice Chancellor, urging Governor Abiodun to probe the matter in order to ensure transparency and accountability.
Co-signed by Oluwafemi Adeyanju, the Chairman of NANS in Ogun, Gbemileke Ogunronbi, the Chairman of NAOSS, and other union leaders, the letter implored Governor Abiodun to swiftly investigate the allegations of manipulation within the Student Union Electoral Commission and ensure that justice is served.
“We appeal for your assistance in upholding the peaceful resolutions reached with the university management, as this is vital to maintaining a conducive academic environment,” the letter stated.
“Your Excellency, we beseech your commitment to prioritize the welfare and safety of students across Ogun State.”
Receiving the protest letter, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Abiodun, assured the students that the governor would address their grievances and seek a peaceful resolution to the issues at hand.
Taiwo promised to deliver the letter directly to Governor Abiodun, whom he believed would attend to the students’ concerns as a father figure to all.
Attempts to reach Professor Agboola for his response were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
