Drama unfolded at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday, June 5, when two students disrupted the Distinguished Personality Lecture delivered by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Invited to speak on the theme “Nigeria of Our Dreams,” Wike faced an unexpected challenge as protesters demanded justice for victims of recent demolitions in Abuja.
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According to eyewitness accounts, the demonstration began around 11:00 a.m. inside Oduduwa Hall. Two undergraduates—Oladepo Joshua and Ejike Kelechi—stood up holding placards reading “Compensate Demolition Victims Now!” and “Stop FCT Abuse!” before abruptly chanting slogans. “We want justice for displaced families!” one of the students shouted, prompting gasps from the audience.
“We were at the lecture when the protesters stood up. We don’t know where they are now,” said a female student who gave her name as Gift, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. Security operatives quickly intervened, escorting the duo out of the hall to prevent escalation. Some attendees angrily confronted the protesters, nearly turning the scene chaotic.
OAU’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, clarified that no arrests were made. “Everybody has a right to protest, but a microscopic minority should not disrupt what the majority allows,” Olarewaju told reporters. “They were only escorted out for their own safety when over 20 students attempted to accost them.”
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Despite the university’s version, the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neoliberal Attacks (ANSA) condemned the removal. “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of our comrades,” said ANSA Deputy National Coordinator, Ikechukwu John, in a statement to The PUNCH. “We urge all defenders of justice to denounce this repression.”
Similarly, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) criticized OAU’s handling of the protest. “The removal of these activists highlights the authoritarian climate on our campuses,” asserted Adaramoye Michael, ERC’s National Mobilisation Officer.
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The OAU Students’ Union also expressed concern. “We are still gathering details and cannot confirm if they were detained,” said Aka Daniel, the union’s Public Relations Officer, when contacted.
The unfolding incident has reignited heated debate on student activism, campus security, and the rights to peaceful demonstration at tertiary institutions.
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