• Lock gates, shut businesses, transport activities
• SUG urges mgt to close down campus if crisis not over in 72 hours
The Ile-Ife indigenes yesterday resumed their protest at the gate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, disrupting free flow of movement in and out of the campus.
The group had since Thursday, March 17, 2022 begun protesting against non-appointment of Ile-Ife indigene as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
The indigenes yesterday regrouped as early as 7:00 a.m. at the campus gates and locked them. They prevented workers and students from entering the campus and did not allow anyone to go out.
It was gathered that the disenchanted indigenes had warned commercial drivers and motorcyclists not to operate in the town. Some of the protesters threatened to continue the demonstration until an indigene of the community is announced as the Vice Chancellor.
MEANWHILE, the students union of the university has urged the management to shut the campus if the crisis is not brought under control within the next 72 hours. The union said students’ lives are no longer safe and that some of them were being beaten and assaulted by the protesters.
A statement signed by the SUG President, Olayiwola Folahan Festus; Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ogunperi Taofeek Olalekan and Secretary-General, Odewale Samuel Damilare, yesterday, said: “The union has met with the management of the university to ensure that the situation is arrested, as lives of union members are being threatened.
“It is obvious that should the current situation continues, students will continue to bear the brunt of this crisis.”
