JULY 10: OAU Remembers Afrika, Four Others As Students Rally Against Cultism

Kayode Olawuni

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Monday remembered their fallen heroes, the victims of July 10, 1999 cult attack on the University campus which led to the gruesome killing of the then Students’ Union Secretary General, George Akinyemi Iwilade, fondly called Afrika and four others.

The ugly incident was alleged to had been sponsored by the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wale Omole to eliminate the Students' Union leaders for their revolts against his unpopular policies including an unusual hike in fees.

Other four victims included a 400 level medical student, Eviano Ekelemu; a graduating student, Yemi Ajiteru; 100-Level Philosophy student, Babatunde Oke, and Ekpede Godfrey.

The sad event of July 10 triggered a massive campaign of zero tolerance for cultism on Ife campus led by the students leaders, a situation which is still being upheld till today.

The 24th remembrance of the unfortunate event and in the manner of previous editions, featured a three days of commemorative activities beginning with signing of condolence register on Saturday, July 8 at the Ken Saro Wiwa (SUB) Building and a movie show at the TV Room of the SUB in the evening.

This was followed by an anti-cultism rally on Sunday, July 9, during which students held peaceful demonstrations with placards bearing anti-cultism inscriptions and ended with a bon fire in the evening at Anglo Moz.

And finally on Moday, July 10, a symposium was held at the Afrika Amphitheatre on the campus where issues bothering around July 10 incident and the general welfare of students on campus were discussed featuring prominent students' leaders both former and incumbent, human rights activists and members of staff of the University, including former Vice-president of the Great Ife Students Union, Dr Kehinde Ajila, the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign(ERC), Hassan Taiwo Soweto, ASUU Chairman, OAU Chapter, among others.

A candle night procession was also held in the evening led by the Great Ife Students Leaders-elect.

The Public Relations Officer-elect, Great Ife Students Union Omisore Elijah(H20) while anchoring the event, described July 10 as a day to honour the fallen heroes and to remind students of the need to unite against activities like cultism that could put their safety on campus into jeopardy.

"The July 10 remebrace is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of cultism and a vanguard for a safe and secure campus environment for all students", he said.