OAU Management Denies Arrest Of Students Protesting Wike’s Presence.
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has refuted claims that two students were arrested for protesting the presence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on campus. The clarification came on Thursday following reports that security operatives had detained the students during the minister’s visit.
Mr. Nyesom Wike was at OAU to deliver the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture, titled “Nigeria of Our Dreams,” at the university’s Oduduwa Hall. During the event, two students reportedly staged a protest, carrying placards and shouting in the middle of the lecture, an action that drew the ire of some fellow students in attendance.
Addressing the circulating rumours, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, firmly denied any arrests took place. “They were not arrested,” he stated authoritatively. “They were rescued from their colleagues and escorted out to avert further harassment on the protesters.” He emphasised that everyone has the right to protest, but cautioned that minorities should not disrupt events enjoyed by the majority.
The incident has sparked varied reactions. While some reports and social media posts suggested the students faced arrest, the university management insists the students were protected by school security to prevent potential harm from peers angered by the disruption. “We ensured their safety,” Mr. Olarewaju added, underscoring the institution’s commitment to balancing free expression with order on campus.
The lecture, a highlight of OAU’s academic calendar, saw Wike share his vision for Nigeria’s future, with the minister asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only leader capable of rescuing the nation. The event also received praise from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who described Wike as an enigma worthy of study by political scientists for his contributions to governance and public service.
However, the protest incident has fuelled debate, with some quarters questioning the management’s account. A statement from the Association of Campus Journalists at OAU (ACJOAU) challenged the university’s narrative, claiming the assertion of no arrests was misleading. The controversy remains a point of discussion among students and observers alike.
The university has not released further details about the students involved or the specific nature of their protest. As the dust settles, OAU continues to uphold its reputation as a hub of academic excellence and robust discourse, even amidst differing perspectives on the events of the day.
