OAU Students Protest, Chase Out Representatives of Former VC Over 1999 Cult Killings

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, was rocked by a fervent protest on Monday as students confronted representatives of former Vice Chancellor Professor Wale Omole during an orientation program for freshers. This protest highlighted ongoing tensions regarding the tragic cult-related murders of five students at the institution back in 1999.

The disruption occurred 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 the delegation entered the venue, students, bolstered by the Student Union (SU) leadership, confronted them with chants of Aluta, demanding that the representatives leave immediately.

The protesters expressed their strong belief that Omole and his associates lacked the moral standing to address the student body, citing alleged connections to the horrific killings of George Iwilade, known as Afrika, and four other students at the university. The students insisted that the shadow of the 1999 events still looms large over OAU's history, asserting that Professor Omole may have played a role in the circumstances leading to the tragic incidents.

Aka Daniel, the Public Relations Officer of the Student Union, confirmed the students' actions, stating, “The students chased out the representatives because of suspicions that he may have had something to do with the 1999 incident.” The palpable anger among the students illustrated that the wounds from the past remain unresolved.

In response to the protest, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the university's spokesperson, condemned the students' actions. Olanrewaju expressed disappointment, 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.”