A massive protest has broken out at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Tuesday, over the transportation crisis.
Thousands of students mobilised as they stormed the campus gate, both inside and outside.
They are calling for a review of the new transport policy introduced by the management, which has led to many students waiting for long periods to board the limited CNG buses.
They chanted solidarity songs and held placards bearing inscriptions such as “New system of transport is not working. No to oppression,” “Save OAU: Fix the transport system,” “No renovation of Awo Hall during session,” and “No to eviction of students,” among others.
In the same vein, a team of lawyers from Alabi Legal Practitioners has written to the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, warning against any attempt to victimise students for exercising their rights through protest.
In a letter directed to the DSA and the student body, signed by Ayokunmi Alabi, Adebiyi Fashoyin, and Rotimi Stephen, the lawyers condemned a release reportedly issued by the Division of Students Affairs, which described the students’ protest as “baseless” and “criminal.”
“It is only appropriate that when students seek to express their disapproval of, or objection to, the transportation crisis, the DSA and Management, standing in loco parentis, have the corresponding duty to ensure order, safety, and the protection of students in the exercise of that right.
“It behoves the Management and the DSA to prevent any breakdown of law and order, rather than issue subtle threats, which only further heighten tension within the university community and risk reputational injury to OAU, for which they shall be held accountable. It is also necessary to highlight that students’ protests in times past have yielded historic and progressive results across institutions and societies, serving as lawful instruments for reform, accountability, and development,” the firm said.
The lawyers vowed to take legal action against the university if students’ rights are violated.
“Kindly note that we remain on standby to resist, through the courts and every other lawful means, any calculated, direct or indirect attempt to victimise, harass, or make a scapegoat of any student, down to the slightest threat, and shall hold the University Management and the DSA accountable for any infringement of students’ constitutional rights,” they added.
Third Lens reported on Monday that the students commenced mobilisation for protests, which began early this morning.
The decision followed resolutions reached at a student congress held on campus on Monday over the worsening transportation crisis.
According to a statement issued by the leadership of the Students’ Union, announcements and sensitisation commenced across the halls of residence immediately after the congress, which resolved to hold a peaceful demonstration to vent students’ concerns.
The congress resolved: “That the Students’ Union stage a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, at 6 a.m., with the intention to block major roads and gates leading to the campus until our demands are met. Sensitisation across all halls of residence shall be done immediately after the adjournment of the congress.”
The management has defended the new transport policy, which took effect following the donation of fewer than 100 CNG buses to the school by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the subsequent ban of the preexisting buses and bikes.
The management insisted that the queues experienced were normal, citing Lagos and foreign transport systems where people queue when demand is higher.
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