PHOTOSTORY: 24 Years After - Remembering The "OAU 5"

By Ajibade Abdullah Adewale

On July 10, 1999, a tragic incident occurred at Obafemi Awolowo University where five students, namely George Akinyemi Iwilade (Afrika), Eviano Ekeimu, Yemi Ajiteru, Babatunde Oke, and Godfrey Ekpede, were allegedly murdered by members of the Black Axe Confraternity.

This horrifying event has etched itself into the memory of every student and beyond, making July 10 a day of significance. The sacrifice made on that day continues to serve as the foundation for the freedom experienced on the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus today. The school community remains steadfast in rejecting cultism, intimidation, and any form of oppression.

Commemorating these heroes and paying tribute to their memory has become a customary practice. As the university Community marks its 24th year, below are some of the pictures depicting the events. 

The Commemoration started on July 8, 2023, with the signing Of condolence at the Aluta Square, Students Union Building, Obafemi Awolowo University

George Iwilade - Afrika

Members of the Executive-Elect, Great Ife Students 
Union and Some Students of the University

OAU Students Signing the Remembrance Register

Amusan Babatunde Sir Tee
( Former President, National Association Of
Osun State Students, OAU)
Signing the Remembrance Register 

On the evening of July 8, 2023, Students watched an interview by Sahara Tv where the Students' Union President, 1998/99, Lanre Adeleke Legacy gave an account of the Massacre. After Which, Sarafina, A Movie Which Demonstrates the Anger Surrounding Apartheid was shown

OAU Students Watching an Interview by Sahara TV 
Where Lanre Adeleke Legacy (Students' Union President,1998/99)
 gives an Account of The July 10 Massacre  

OAU Students Watching Sarafina -
 A Movie Which Demonstrates the Anger Surrounding Apartheid

The July 9, 2023 Events commenced with an Anti-Cultism rally where students of the university engaged in sensitizing the university community about the significance of July 10 and why cultism should not be an option. Later in the evening, Students headed to Anglomoz for a Bonfire. In attendance were, the Executive Elect of the Union, The Man-O-War, The kegite Club, Members of The Press and many Other OAU Students

 

OAU Students at the Anti-Cultism Rally on Campus

At Fajuyi Hall- Students are Being sensitized on the 
need to shun Cultism

ETF Hall: Omowunmi Ewatee
A Former Member, Student Representative Council addressing the congregation

ETF Hall: Salvation Grace Aworanti,
Immediate Former Vice President, Great Ife Students’ Union
Addressing the Students

Man-O-war And OAU Students at Anglomoz for the Bonfire

OAU students Led by the President-Elect at the BonFire Venue 

Kegite Club Gyrates

Bonfire: Ojo Abass Akinremmi (Lord Fem)
President-Elect, Great Ife Students' Union

L-R Olabode Oluwafemi - Public Relations Officer, ACJOAU
Majeed Lev - Former Student Representative Council member

Following the first two days' events, a symposium with the theme, "Early Intervention And Awareness In Preventing Cultism: Reflecting On The Past, Rebuilding For The Future" was held on July 10 at Amphi Theatre where Students had the privilege to listen to the perspective of many former Union Leaders. 

Amphi Theatre: Omisore Elijah, P.R.O Elect, Great Ife Students' Union
Moderating the Symposium 

Dr John Etebo
A Former Secretary General, Great Ife SU

Gbenga Oloniniran - Von
Former Chairman, Great Ife SU Action Committee

Sanya Olu Juwon
Activist

                                   

An OAU Student, Testimony Jesutofunmi
Performing A poem  titled" We Are the Victims"

Ogunma Andrew Karl 
Fmr Speaker, Great Ife SU

Kunle Ajayi Wiseman
Activist

Folorunso Adekunle - A Student of Adekunle Ajasin University
Performing a Poem in Memory of the OAU 5 

H.T Soweto

Dr Kehinde Ajila
Former Vice-President, Great Ife SU

Bar. Ayodele Ademiluyi

Dr Kehinde Ajila with The Members of the Executive-Elect 
and Other OAU Students during the Candle Night Procession. 

ALUTA Square: Ojo Abass Akinremi (Lord Fem)
President-Elect, Great Ife SU
addressing the Student on the significance of July 10

L-R Lord Fem with Dr Kehinde Ajila Giving
 her Closing  Remark

L-R -Folakan Paul (Welfare Officer Elect), Damilare Ezekiel( Financial Secretary Elect) 
Ojo Abass( President-Elect), H.T Soweto, Akinbomi Opeyemi ( Secretary General Elect), 
Omisore Elijah ( P.R.O Elect), Sumbade Saudiq( Director Of Sports Elect), Alo Anthony( Assistant Secretary-General Elect)