Student leaders in Ogun State have issued a strong warning to traditional rulers and external groups to refrain from interfering in student union leadership and electoral processes.
This caution was given during a press conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday by representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), and the National Association of Yewa Students (NAYES).
The press conference was organized in response to allegations made by the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) concerning the recently concluded NAYES convention and election.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Abdulgafar Ajibowu, Chairman of the NAYES Convention/Electoral Committee, dismissed YPDC’s claims that the convention was unauthorized. He labeled the allegations as baseless and an attempt to discredit the integrity of student unions.
Ajibowu, flanked by NAOSS National President Thomas Kehinde and NANS Ogun Joint Action Committee Chairman Adeyanju Francis, condemned the endorsement of Tella Faruq Abayomi, who was allegedly declared elected in a parallel process reportedly backed by YPDC.
The student leaders revealed that Tella Faruq did not meet the qualifications to contest for any leadership position, as he is not yet a registered student of any tertiary institution.
“An eligible student leader must have attended lectures, written exams, and earned a GPA or CGPA from at least one academic session. Tella Faruq only recently secured an admission letter and does not meet these criteria. It is disheartening that YPDC would support someone unqualified and even secure endorsement from our respected monarch,” Ajibowu said.
They also warned the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and other traditional leaders to stay out of student union matters.
“Student organisations like NAYES are autonomous and are established to represent student interests. External interference erodes the democratic principles and independence of these bodies. We call on Oba Olugbenle and others to respect the autonomy of student organisations and avoid actions that could create division within the student community,” Ajibowu added.
The student leaders further called on security agencies, including the police and DSS, to investigate and address the activities of individuals or groups attempting to destabilize student bodies in the state.
They emphasized the need for stakeholders to respect the independence of student unions to maintain unity and uphold democratic processes within their organizations.
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