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.
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 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 |