Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Students of tertiary institutions in Ogun State have cautioned traditional rulers and external entities against interfering in student leadership and electoral processes.
The students under the auspices of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and National Association of Yewa Students (NAYES) gave the warning on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The warning came during a press conference held in response to allegations by the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) regarding the recently concluded NAYES convention and election.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of NAYES Convention/Electoral Committee, Abdulgafar Ajibowu, dismissed YPDC’s claims that the NAYES convention was unauthorised.
He described the allegations as baseless and a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of student unions.
Ajibowu, who was flanked by the national president of NAOSS, Thomas Kehinde and chairman of NANS, Ogun Joint Action Committee, Adeyanju Francis criticised the endorsement of Tella Faruq Abayomi, who was purportedly elected in a parallel process allegedly backed by the YPDC.
The Association revealed that Tella Faruq did not meet the basic requirements to contest for any student leadership position, as he is not yet a bona fide student of any tertiary institution.
“An eligible student leader must have attended lectures, written exams, and obtained a GPA or CGPA from a completed academic session. Tella Faruq only recently secured an admission letter and does not qualify under these criteria.
“It is troubling that YPDC would parade someone unqualified as the president of a student body and our revered monarch will endorse him,” Ajibowu said.
The student leaders issued a stern warning to traditional rulers and elders, including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, to refrain from interfering in student leadership.
“Student organisations like NAYES are independent entities created to represent student interests. External meddling undermines the principles of democracy and self-governance.
“We urge Oba Olugbenle and others to steer clear of student affairs and avoid being used to disrupt the unity of the student community,” Ajibowu said.
He noted that the election held on December 27, 2024, which produced Comrade Olabode Tayo, was legitimate and had the backing of NAOSS and declared the parallel election conducted by YPDC as null and void.
He urged all stakeholders to respect the autonomy of student organisations.
The association, however, called on security agencies, including the police and DSS, to address the activities of individuals or groups attempting to destabilize student bodies in Ogun State.