On Wednesday, students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, disrupted the convoy of Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during a heated protest. Armed with sticks and other objects, the students managed to block her route and immobilize her vehicle, forcing her to delay her official duties.
The incident occurred as Mrs. Salako-Oyedele was en route to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta.
According to Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, the students became increasingly agitated upon realizing the Deputy Governor was in the convoy.
Akinmade stated:
“The office of the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele this Wednesday, 15th January 2025, escaped an attack by the representatives of student bodies during a protest in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.
“The irate protesting MAPOLY students were armed with sticks and other dangerous projectiles. All efforts to allow the convoy pass proved abortive. As soon as the students realized it was the Deputy Governor, they became even more restive and rushed to attack her convoy while demobilizing it, despite her security operatives as well as other police officers on ground persuading them to stay calm.
“This informed her convoy’s decision to make an immediate detour to her lodge for the protesting students to pass peacefully before she left for the function she was slated to attend.
“Noteworthy is that there was obstruction of vehicular movement, while some of her security vehicles were damaged and her security operatives were also hurt in the process of maintaining law and order, contrary to the news making rounds in the press.”
The protest caused significant disruption, leaving Mrs. Salako-Oyedele’s team no choice but to alter their route. Despite the chaos, she eventually resumed her official duties after the road was cleared.
The motive behind the students’ protest remains unclear, but the confrontation highlights tensions between the government and the student body. Authorities have yet to release a statement on potential resolutions.
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