OAU students seek recall of suspended colleagues

 

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State have appealed to the authorities of the institution and the Osun State, Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, to ensure the reinstatement of their suspended colleagues.

The OAU authorities had suspended eight students over alleged misconduct during a recent tuition hike protest, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the police.

They also placed the student union leaders on probation, allegedly for their roles during the protest.

The suspended students are Pele Obasa, Ibirogba Samuel, Ademuwagun Johnson, Sanyaolu Oluwajuwon, Oluwole Olubanji, Benjamin Olusiji, Adabale Olamide, and Abiodun Abimbola.

However, the Student Union President, Ibikunle Isaac, wondered why the authorities suspended the students without any investigative report.

He said, “Currently, all executives of the Student Union Government are under probation for their involvement in the struggle against hike in fee. Eight other students are on indefinite suspension for their principled defence of the collective interest of students and demand for justice.

“We re-affirm that these courageous students are not criminals. We strongly appeal to the university authorities, Osun State Governor and CP to ensure the freedom of these students. This is because our management, in the letter given to the suspended students, said they would only reinstate them after the conclusion of an investigation by the police. We are still in darkness on whether or not the case is actually with the police, but we know that the governor also has power over a case like this. We, therefore, urge him to intervene and ensure the release of the students.

“We have also tried other diplomatic means, as we have written to the Governing Council, Academic Staff Union of Universities and other intermediaries to ensure the immediate reinstatement and withdrawal of charges preferred against our leaders and other student activists. This approach, we believe, will be productive.”

Meanwhile, one of the suspended students, Juwon, has dragged OAU authorities and the commissioner of police, among others to court to challenge his suspension.

Hearing for the suit is for November 11.