…Ignores gunshot fire at students
Fawaz Adebisi
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that she was attacked by protesting students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta.
Salako-Oyedele clarified the situation when the institution’s management, led by its Rector, Arc. Babatunde Jolaoso, paid her a solidarity visit in her office.
According to a release by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Yemi Ajibola, on Friday, the visit followed a peaceful protest by MAPOLY students regarding a new fee regime introduced by the school and delay of result.
Addressing the delegation on the incident that happened on Wednesday, when the Deputy Governor was purportedly attacked, she explained that her security detail noticed the protesting students as she was en route to Alamala for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event.
She however added that acting on the advice of her security personnel, her driver made a detour to avoid the crowd.
“I was not attacked,” Salako-Oyedele affirmed. “I returned to my residence to allow the crowd to pass and later proceeded to Alamala to represent His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun. If I had been attacked, I would not have been able to attend the program.”
She therefore cautioned against the dangers of misinformation on social media, noting that the false reports had prompted numerous calls from concerned individuals. “We must be cautious of social media as it has caused undue alarm,” she said.
Also, the Deputy Governor encouraged the students to embrace dialogue and maintain peace in addressing their grievances.
…Ignores gunshot fire at students
However, the Deputy Governor has refused to address the gunshot fire that was made against the students during the protest on Wednesday.
Videos have circulated, showing how her security aides shot into the air against the students while performing their industrial action.
Many have claimed that the deputy governor was the one who ordered the fire.
Students are therefore looking forward to her addressing and giving clarification on the incident.
During the visit, the Rector, Arc. Jolaoso, apologized on behalf of the students and the institution, describing the situation as unfortunate. “We came on behalf of the Governing Council, management staff, and students of MAPOLY to apologize for the embarrassment it might have caused you,” Jolaoso said.
The delegation included key members of the institution’s management team, such as Deputy Rector Dr. Mrs. Yetunde Lanre-Iyanda, Registrar Mrs. Olubunmi Elewodalu, Polytechnic Librarian Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, Bursar Mrs. Folasade Madariola FCA, and representatives of the three staff unions on campus.