LG chair defends intervention as Ekiti students’ election disrupted

Students under the aegis of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union have disagreed with the Chairperson of the Igbara Odo/Ogotun Local Council Development Area, Bukola Olowolaju, over the abrupt end to the union’s election.

In separate interviews with PUNCH Metro, the members of the FESSU said they had gathered to elect new executive members of the union but the exercise was truncated upon the arrival of the council chairperson, accompanied by security men.

A student of the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti State, Agbaje Adewunmi, narrated that the venue of the election became chaotic after a misunderstanding ensued among the students over the conduct of the exercise.

He narrated that the council chairperson who initially attempted to calm the situation, shockingly declared that the election should be cancelled.

Adewunmi said, “While we were still trying to express our concerns respectfully, she made a phone call and within some minutes, a van loaded with armed military personnel arrived.

“Without warning, they began firing shots into the air, causing panic. Students ran for safety, but some were apprehended. Among them was our Senate President, who happens to be the younger brother of Frizzyfash.

“However, we were violently assaulted. We were slapped repeatedly, forced to sit in the gutter, and beaten with planks and boots—all while we tried to explain that we were neither rioting nor escaping.”

Adewunmi lamented that he still battled with the pains from the battering he suffered.

An ex-student who identified as Adebiyi claimed that the election was declared cancelled over the perception that the electorate were not willing to vote for an anointed candidate.

He narrated that following the arrival of the chairperson and her announcement that the election had been cancelled, the students revolted and shunned the directive to leave the venue.

“Suddenly, soldiers arrived at the venue and started shooting into the air. People were running helter-skelter. The soldiers slapped and whipped my younger brother with a horsewhip, and he was taken into the van by the DPO of the Ilawe police station before I demanded his release.”

When contacted for a reaction on Monday, the council chairperson, Olowolaju, in a signed statement, disclosed that she resorted to inviting the military to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

She noted that she was not informed about any election to be held in the area earlier, and when she received distressed calls from different stakeholders in the community, there was an ongoing public disturbance.

The chairperson said that upon receiving the calls, she went to the venue where she met the presence of security operatives who informed her that the situation had escalated beyond their capacity.

Olowolaju continued, “It’s important to state that I was unaware of any student election taking place in my LCDA and had no involvement or interest in it. Upon receiving the distress reports, I immediately left Ado-Ekiti and rushed back to Igbara Odo. On arrival, I met with the police, Amotekun, DSS and other paramilitary agencies, all of whom confirmed that the situation was beyond their control and requested additional support.

“I promptly reached out to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, who deployed Nigerian Army officers to help restore calm and prevent escalation. By the time I got to the scene, it was already past 5 pm.

“I was approached by a former student union president who ran up to me, visibly shaken, and pleaded for his life, stating that some individuals were trying to kill him. He claimed to be the son of a well-known person from a neighbouring town. What I witnessed was alarming and unacceptable; what was supposed to be a student election had degenerated into a violent confrontation.”

The council boss narrated that some arrests were made, and the situation was brought under control after reports of gunshots and the use of dangerous weapons.

She added that an ex-student had allegedly orchestrated the disruption.

“There were reports of gunshots, sightings of cutlasses, and the use of local charms. I immediately realized this was not an election but a gathering driven by a dangerous struggle for power, with non-students even involved in the chaos. The arrival of the soldiers brought sanity to the scene, and several individuals were arrested while others fled.

“One of those arrested was Mr Adebiyi Fashoyin, the same individual now spreading falsehoods. It is important to note that Mr Fashoyin made alarming, life-threatening statements during the unrest and boldly declared that he would ensure a state of emergency was declared in our local council, a council that has been peaceful and law-abiding. His provocative utterances and violent conduct were among the reasons for his arrest by military personnel.

“Shortly after his arrest, I received a call from a respected political leader, Otunba Bayo Fasae, who pleaded earnestly, stating that Mr. Fashoyin was a friend’s son. Out of respect for Otunba Fasae, I intervened and requested his release, which the military granted. In hindsight, perhaps I should have allowed the law to take its full course.”

She stressed that her actions were based on the interest of public safety and that she had no interest in the students’ election.

“Let me restate clearly: I have no interest whatsoever in any student election, and no one influenced my actions. As the Chief Security Officer of this local council, I acted in the interest of peace and safety to protect lives and property. I have never offered anyone money to interfere with any electoral process.

“I have a name and legacy I’ve built over the years, and I would never compromise it for any reason. I have always supported the youth of Igbara Odo/Ogotun LCDA through financial assistance, scholarships, and empowerment initiatives. My track record is open and verifiable,” Olowolaju concluded.