The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has refuted claims that two students were arrested for protesting against Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike during his visit to the institution.
OAU spokesperson Abuodun Olarewaju made this clarification on Thursday, explaining that the students were actually rescued from potential harm by their fellow students rather than being arrested for expressing dissent.
What Actually Happened at the Event
"Everybody has a right to protest, and the minority, microscopic minorities, should not disrupt what the overwhelming majority allows," Olarewaju stated. "They were not arrested; they were only escorted out of the Oduduwa Hall. We didn't want the situation to escalate, because some of their colleagues were the ones who accosted them."
According to the spokesperson, security operatives intervened when approximately 20 students confronted the two protesters. "You know, when about 20 students descended on two students, something could happen. So, the security operatives there just apprehended the two students and took them out of the hall," he explained, emphasizing that "they rescued them from being beaten by their colleagues."
Wike's Distinguished Personality Lecture
The incident occurred during Wike's visit to deliver the Distinguished Personality Lecture at the university's Oduduwa Hall on the topic "Nigeria of Our Dreams." During his address, the FCT Minister expressed his belief that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only person capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who was also present at the event, praised Wike's political journey, suggesting that political scientists should study the former Rivers State governor's rise to prominence in the current administration.
This incident highlights the tension between freedom of expression on university campuses and maintaining order during official events, particularly those involving high-profile political figures.
