The Great IFE Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of Obafemi Awolowo University convened a business meeting on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Ajose Lecture Theater to constitute the Electoral Committee which will oversee the Students’ Union Elections for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.
Recall that, ACJOAU reported the chaos that ensued following the announcement of a 14-man Students’ Union Electoral Committee for the 2023/2024 academic session.
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However, before the controversy surrounding the nomination of the Students’ Union Electoral Commission arose, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) convened to deliberate on outstanding matters and revisit items deferred from the previous sitting. The meeting began with the presentation of reports from the various halls of residence, delivered by their respective Chairpersons. After thorough review and ratification, the reports were approved by the House, and the Speaker subsequently passed the bill following validation by the Representatives.
Subsequently, the Students’ Union Electoral Commission for the 2022/2023 academic session, chaired by Ogunperi Taofeek (Tao), was officially dissolved by the Speaker, Oladapo Olakunle (Olabest). In the same vein, the Speaker announced the dismissal of three members of the legislative arm: Hon. Olaoye, Hon. David Oluwasodimu representing the Faculty of Science, and Hon. Falade Iyanuoluwa representing the Faculty of Arts, who are no longer recognized as members of the parliament.
Before calling for nominations, the Speaker addressed the House, urging all members to uphold the sanctity of the Union’s constitution and adhere strictly to decisions made by the House, provided they align with constitutional provisions. He cautioned against allowing personal grievances towards any member of the parliament to interfere with the smooth conduct of the proceedings. However, the Speaker appealed that any internal issues or disagreements within departments or faculties should be contained within their respective domains and not be allowed to influence or disrupt the collective decisions of the House.
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The Speaker commenced the nomination process by citing Article 4, Section 60, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Great Ife Students’ Union Constitution. The provision states that:
There shall be an Electoral Commission consisting of Electoral Officers constituted by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) at the end of every parliament. The Chief Electoral Officer, who shall serve as the chairman, shall be appointed from among the Electoral Officers at the same time and venue.
This reference was made to affirm and validate the constitutional authority of the House to constitute the Electoral Bodies.
Shortly after, the nomination process for members of the Electoral Commission—tasked with overseeing the forthcoming election—commenced smoothly. However, tension escalated when the Speaker recognized Honorable Azeez from the Faculty of Social Sciences to make a nomination. This move was met with a loud uproar from aggrieved members of the gallery, who strongly opposed the Speaker’s decision. They vehemently insisted that Honorable Azeez should not be granted the opportunity to nominate. The situation became increasingly chaotic, as repeated attempts by the Speaker to allow Hon. Azeez nominate was persistently resisted by the gallery.
Similarly, just as the earlier issue was resolved, the nomination process resumed. However, fresh disagreement erupted again when the Speaker abruptly approved a 13-man Electoral Commission instead of the expected 15. This sparked discontent among some members of the gallery, particularly the Union President, Omoboriowo Oluwadamilola Isaac (Dr Bush), who in a rage and furious mood ran out to pounce on the speaker alleging that the nomination process—and the criteria employed—were politically motivated and biased.
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Some Representatives, dissatisfied with the perceived lack of transparency, questioned the integrity of the selection, while others openly accused the Speaker of partiality and political favoritism. In light of these concerns, calls for transparency, fairness, and impartiality echoed across the chamber as stakeholders demanded a more credible nomination process.
The proceedings came to an abrupt halt following a chaotic outburst that saw members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the Speaker, representatives of the OAU Electoral Commission, and members of the gallery engage in a physical altercation. The disruption raised questions among observers about the apparent vested interest of the Students’ Union Executives—particularly regarding their unusual concern over who was nominated or excluded.
For several minutes, the sitting was suspended without any official announcement regarding its continuation. Shortly after exiting the venue in visible frustration, the Union President hastily declared a general congress to hold at 9:30 PM
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However, the House proceeded undeterred, reconvening and continuing with the agenda without acknowledging the President’s announcement.
Upon resumption, the Vice Dean of Student Affairs, Professor L.O. Olasunkami addressed the House, expressing deep disappointment in the conduct of both the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and Central Executive Council (CEC) members. He criticized their inability to remain composed and handle situations diplomatically, describing their actions as unbecoming of responsible leaders and lacking in moral credibility.
Professor Olasunkami further stated that he had personally witnessed the entire incident and would provide an accurate report to the Vice Chancellor when he called him. He, however, issued a stern warning, emphasizing that continued unruly behavior would not be tolerated and could result in disciplinary measures, including possible expulsion, as the university management is committed to preserving order and tranquility on campus.
Following the Vice Dean’s admonition, the House proceeded with its business. Mathew Ehondor from Faculty of Agriculture was appointed Chairman of the Electoral Commission, with Olumide Odunayo from Faculty of Administration as Financial Secretary, Dotunodun Joshua from Faculty of Arts as General Secretary, and Audu Abdulsalam from BMS as Public Relations Officer.
Other members include, Akinboade Niyi Joseph from Faculty of Science, Adelodun Precious-love from Faculty of pharmacy, Oloyede Kehinde Temitayo from Faculty of Education, Adebayo Samuel Obaloluwa from Faculty of social sciences, Bankole Samuel Dolapo from Faculty of Agriculture, Dada Darasimi from Faculty of dentistry, Sunmonu Quadri Oluwasegun from Faculty of Technology, Alonge Isreal from Faculty of Computing Science and Engineering, Olanegan Olamitaayo from Faculty of Law, and Adeyemi Abdullahi from Faculty of EDM.
The session then moved to the nomination and confirmation of nine Electoral Petition Officers, tasked with ensuring a free, fair, and constitutionally guided electoral process. Despite the earlier turmoil that unsettled the chamber, the proceedings continued smoothly, and the newly appointed members were officially sworn in by the Speaker.