The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has denied reports suggesting she was attacked by students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta.
She clarified the situation during a visit by the institution’s management, led by the Rector, Arc. Koye Jolaoso, who came to offer an apology over the alleged incident.
Salako-Oyedele explained that while en route to Alamala for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, her security team observed a large crowd and redirected her vehicle without confrontation. She later continued her journey once the crowd had dispersed.
“If I had been attacked, I would not have attended the programme at Alamala,” she noted, urging caution in consuming social media reports to avoid misinformation.
She also encouraged students to adopt peaceful dialogue in resolving grievances.
The visit by the Polytechnic’s management was intended to express regret over the incident. Rector Jolaoso apologized on behalf of the students, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a harmonious relationship.
“We came on behalf of the Governing Council, management staff, and students to apologize for any embarrassment the event may have caused you,” he stated.
The delegation included key officials such as Deputy Rector Dr. Yetunde Lanre-Iyanda, Registrar Mrs. Olubunmi Elewodalu, and representatives of staff unions.
The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday at OPIC, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, when students were protesting issues like delayed mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and increased fees.
Reports initially suggested that the deputy governor’s convoy was attacked, but the students, led by Adeyanju Francis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee, Ogun State, denied the allegations.
According to the students, it was the security operatives of the deputy governor who fired shots at them during their peaceful protest.
They have since called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to investigate the matter and demanded an apology from the deputy governor for the alleged misrepresentation of events.
In a related development, the Chairman of MAPOLY’s Governing Council, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, has directed the immediate reinstatement of the dissolved Students Union Government.
The union, which was dissolved earlier due to the crisis, has been mandated to conduct fresh elections within the next four weeks in line with its constitution.
The Polytechnic management reaffirmed its commitment to resolving issues affecting the students while maintaining peace on campus.
