In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Onidugbe was seen being escorted out of the venue by security operatives while people shouted at him, calling him “Ole.”
There was drama in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Friday as student leaders reportedly booed and forced out the Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Student Affairs, Comrade Wasiu Onidugbe, over allegations that he attempted to influence the election of new executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC).
Witnesses at the venue told SaharaReporters that tension erupted after some student leaders accused the governor’s aide of attempting to manipulate the electoral process in favour of his preferred candidate, Comrade Solihu Ismail Aloba.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Onidugbe was seen being escorted out of the venue by security operatives while people shouted at him, calling him “Ole.”
The allegation against Onidugbe is the latest in a growing series of complaints by student leaders who have accused him of exerting undue influence over student bodies and campus politics across Kwara State.
A senior students leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of victimisation, stated that the governor’s aide had for years sought to control the activities of student organisations, including their engagements with stakeholders and public commentary on issues affecting students.
“He has always wanted to determine who emerges in student elections and dictate how student leaders relate with personalities and government officials. Many students have been uncomfortable with that situation for a long time,” the source alleged.
Sources at the election venue disclosed that trouble started when it became apparent that Aloba was losing to his rival, Yusuf Abdulquadri Eleburuike, during the contest.
According to the sources, attempts were made to disrupt the process and alter the outcome in favour of the preferred candidate.
However, delegates and student leaders present at the venue reportedly resisted the move, leading to a heated confrontation that threw the gathering into chaos.
Eyewitnesses claimed that angry students openly challenged Onidugbe over the alleged interference and eventually escorted him out of the venue while chanting “Ole! Ole!” — a Yoruba expression meaning “thief.”
“The atmosphere became very tense. The students insisted that the election must be free and fair. They accused him of trying to impose a candidate on them and refused to allow any interference,” another source said.
Meanwhile, delegates were visibly agitated as arguments broke out over attempts to influence the outcome of the election.
Despite the disruption, the election reportedly continued under tight scrutiny from delegates determined to prevent any external interference or manipulation of the process.
Student leaders at the venue insisted that the integrity of the election must be protected, stressing that NANS leadership positions should reflect the collective will of students rather than political interests.