The University of Ife Law Class of 1987 Association has condemned the recent mob action that took place at the Hall of Residence, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, which led to the gruesome death of Ahize Okoli, a fifth-year engineering student of the institution.
The association in a statement, yesterday, signed by its President, Caleb Arogundade, described the action as “despicable, lawless disheartening…”
Recall that fellow students of the university, last Monday, lynched Okoli over alleged theft.
The association stressed that it was worrisome that students of the institution could dispense jungle justice to a fellow student.
“It is worrisome that students of our prestigious university, which we proudly call “Great Ife” could resort to barbaric behaviour in dispensing jungle justice to a fellow student, who was accused of theft. We are well aware that the university authorities have taken the right steps to identify those behind the dastardly act, ensure justice is duly served and put in place a mechanism to eradicate all forms of self-help within the institution.
“The leadership of the university has an overarching duty to protect the lives of its staff and students, particularly when they are within the precincts of the institution. The current scandal is palpable proof that the authorities of the university were not proactive in tackling the menace of gangsterism, which has now taken the life of a precious student.
“We are deeply concerned that the Great Ife, from which we graduated over 35 years ago, is being portrayed as the dark chamber of torture and jungle justice. The leadership of the university must decisively do the needful to stamp out this despicable behaviour among the students.
“Parents and guardians must be assured of the safety and physical well-being of their wards for as long as they remain within the school campus,” the statement noted.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased, the association stated that it was prepared to partner with the authority of the university in any possible and acceptable way with a view to sustaining the status of the institution as one of the best in the world.
