Students of tertiary institutions in Ogun State have issued a strong warning to traditional rulers and external bodies against interfering in student leadership and electoral processes. The students, representing the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), and National Association of Yewa Students (NAYES), voiced their concerns during a press conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The warning was in response to allegations made by the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) regarding the recently concluded NAYES convention and election. During the conference, the Chairman of the NAYES Convention/Electoral Committee, Abdulgafar Ajibowu, dismissed YPDC’s claims that the convention was unauthorized, calling the allegations baseless and an attempt to undermine the credibility of student unions.

Ajibowu, accompanied by NAOSS President Thomas Kehinde and NANS Ogun Joint Action Committee Chairman Adeyanju Francis, also criticized the endorsement of Tella Faruq Abayomi, a candidate purportedly elected through a parallel process allegedly supported by YPDC. The student leaders revealed that Tella Faruq did not meet the necessary criteria to contest for a student leadership position, as he was not yet a bona fide student at any tertiary institution. They emphasized that eligible student leaders must have attended lectures, written exams, and achieved a GPA or CGPA from a completed academic session.

“We are troubled that YPDC would support an unqualified candidate as president of a student body, and it is concerning that a revered monarch would endorse him,” Ajibowu stated.

The student leaders warned traditional rulers, especially the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, to refrain from meddling in student affairs. They emphasized that organizations like NAYES are independent entities created to represent the interests of students, and outside interference undermines democracy and self-governance within student bodies.

Ajibowu urged Oba Olugbenle and other traditional rulers to avoid disrupting student unity and to respect the autonomy of student organizations. He also called on security agencies, including the police and DSS, to take action against individuals or groups attempting to destabilize student bodies in Ogun State.