In an unprecedented move, the Great Ife Students’ Union vehemently opposed the attempted representation of a former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Wale Omole, on Monday during the freshmen orientation programme held at Oduduwa Hall.
The Great Ife Students’ Union’s stance follows Professor Omole’s decision to send a representative to promote his foundation to freshmen.
Samuel Busari, the Welfare Director of the Students’ Union, explained that ‘the name ‘Wale Omole’ should not be mentioned at all on-campus.’ He stated further that he is highly disappointed in the university management for inviting such an individual to grace the freshers’ orientation program.
Read Also: School Fees: OAU SU Kicks Against Sudden Addition of ₦30,000 to Freshmen Sundry Charges
‘1999 is still fresh in our memory, and we cannot but continue to remember and honor Afrika and the others. At the same time, we cannot forget the evil masterminded by the then VC, Prof. Wale Omole, who orchestrated the killing of five students on campus. History will never be forgotten’, he said.
During an interview with ACJ-OAU correspondent, Assistant General Secretary of Great Ife Union Omisore Michael said ‘the rejection was against his name being portrayed on campus, even to our fresher; he sent a representative to campus as a king to speak to fresher about his foundation and all.’
He further stated that the former vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wale Omole sponsored the killing of the 1999 Students’ Union Secretary General, George Iwilade and other 4 students.
Condemning the Invitation of Professor Wale Omole’ Foundation to the Fresher Orientation, the Students’ Union Public Relations Officer, Aka Daniel also added that the union executive council was not informed beforehand about the invitation of the Omole foundation. Furthermore, he stated that the Students’ Union would educate and inform the students concerning what had happened.
Meanwhile, Professor Wale Omole has been embroiled in controversy surrounding his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University. Professor Omole is accused of sponsoring cultists who murdered five union leaders, including George Iwilade (Afrika), on July 10, 1999.
Afrika was the Secretary-General of the Students’ Union and a 400-level law student before his death. Lanre Adeleke (Legacy), the then Students’ Union President and survivor of the attack, accused Professor Wale Omole, the Vice-Chancellor at the time, of sponsoring the deadly assault.
Read Also: School Fees: Students’ Union Secures Suspension of 50% Increment
The Black Axe Confraternity was allegedly responsible. Professor Omole denied involvement, citing clearance by the federal government panel of inquiry led by Professor Tunde Adeniran, a former Minister of Education.
Netizens React
Some X users reacted to the Association of Campus Journalists’ post by expressing their dissatisfaction.
Omolola Pedro said, ‘The audacity of the school management is baffling! You bring a murderer to campus to speak to students? Someone who sponsored the murder of a Union Exco? Do they think the July 10, 1999, incident is already forgotten? The audacity of Prof. Bamire!’
Opeyemi #OpinionwithID said, ‘whoever invited that man called Prof. Wale Omole should cower in shame! There’s no other way to put it than to say it’s pure madness. Afrika and the OAU4 haven’t received their deserved justice since 1999, and you want to honor this man? Very shameful!’
The Only Plume said, ‘OAU management! What an audacious bunch.’
Furthermore, a Netizens, Ekienabor Adodo Destiny alleged the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University of inviting the foundation of Professor Wale Omole. However, it is important to take note that the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU distanced itself from such and did not invite the Former Vice Chancellor’s foundation to the University’s freshers’ orientation program.