Education

OOU Student Union Election Crisis: Student Leaders Cries Foul, As Disqualification Controversy Sparks Outrage Amid Allegations Of VC’s Undue Interference

The Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Student Union elections are embroiled in controversy as student leaders reportedly accuse Vice Chancellor (VC) and prominent student figure, Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi popularly known as Samrich, of interfering in union affairs for personal gain.

Since graduating in 2020, Comrade Samrich has been a prominent presence in the OOU student union landscape and is currently vying for the position of National Public Relations Officer for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) under the theme “Ideological Rebirth.” Previously, he sought the NANS Zone D (South West) Coordinator role but stepped back to lead the campaign for Comrade Owolewa.

Serious accusations have emerged regarding Comrade Samrich’s alleged connection to the Vice Chancellor. “Rumored had it that despite his graduation, Samrich is still financially compensated by the VC”, the union stakeholders claim. It is alleged that he uses this support to mobilize students on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, advancing personal interests across multiple departments and the student union. Furthermore, reports suggest he intimidates those who resist the Vice Chancellor’s directives, fostering an environment of fear and compliance.

Adding to the unrest, the recent disqualification of Comrade Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi from the student union elections has ignited further controversy. The electoral committee disqualified Omotoyosi for reportedly erecting a campaign banner without the necessary approvals. However, many stakeholders believe this reason serves merely as a facade, pointing to the alleged possibility of the Vice Chancellor and Samrich manipulating the election outcomes to favor a chosen candidate.”

While sharing his insights on the elections with our news correspondent at Genesis Media Hub, a 400-level Psychology student from the school, who wished to remain anonymous, provided a detailed report, noting the university has a troubling history of contentious student union elections, often overshadowed by allegations of external influence and electoral intimidation. This latest round of accusations raises significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential involvement of outside actors in shaping the results. Allegations suggest that Samrich and the Vice Chancellor have a history of disrupting the electoral process to secure outcomes that suit their agendas. Graduates recount experiences where elections unfavorable to the VC and Samrich’s were canceled, only to see new elections orchestrated to their advantage. Such claims underline serious questions about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Critics further allege that Samrich and the VC have strategically positioned individuals on the electoral committee to facilitate manipulative tactics, including candidate intimidation and electoral rigging. This troubling pattern was notably evident during the 2022/2023 elections when faculty presidents were placed on the electoral committee, compromising its impartiality and raising suspicions of collusion.

The disqualification of Comrade Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi, also known as Cashlink, from the Olabisi Onabanjo University student union presidential election has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The electoral committee, citing the unauthorized erection of a campaign banner, disqualified Cashlink, a decision that has been met with widespread criticism.

Cashlink vehemently denies erecting the banner, attributing it to either overzealous supporters or individuals with vested interests. Critics contend that the disqualification is disproportionate to the alleged offense, lacking both constitutional basis and adhering to the principle of proportionality as outlined by the International Court of Justice.

The student union constitution, they argue, stipulates a maximum fine of ₦25,000 for such infractions, making the disqualification seem arbitrary and potentially influenced by ulterior motives. Accusations of bias have been leveled against the electoral committee, with some suggesting undue influence from the Vice Chancellor and Comrade Samrich.

These alleged allegations stem from the perception that the Vice Chancellor and Samrich are seeking to maintain control over the student union for personal gain, potentially implementing policies detrimental to student interests. The actions of Comrade Samrich, who was once seen as a champion of student rights against the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, have now disillusioned many.

His current actions, critics argue, reveal a disturbing similarity to the very individual he once opposed, leading to the damning assessment that he is “a bird of the same feather.” Efforts to challenge the authority of Samrich and the Vice Chancellor have been met with strong resistance, including intimidation tactics that threaten students’ academic progress, physical safety, and overall well-being. This climate of fear has effectively silenced dissent, allowing those in power to maintain their grip on the student union.

Student leaders are using this medium to appeal to esteemed individuals and organizations to intervene in the ongoing Olabisi Onabanjo University student union elections. Specifically, they are calling on His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Ogun State Ministry of Education headed by Prof. Arigbabu, traditional leaders, OOU school management, Alumni of the school, Youth associations and student unions, and dignitaries across Ago Iwoye and nearby towns, to use their influence to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

The student leaders urge these stakeholders to call the Vice Chancellor and Samrich to order, allowing students to vote for their preferred leaders without intimidation or coercion. This appeal is made in the hope of ensuring a peaceful and democratic electoral process.

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