Editorial: July 10: A Requiem for the Martyrs, Beyond the Solemnity
In the early hours of July 10, 1999, the serene environment of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was shattered by the brutal invasion of the Black Axe Confraternity. This day, forever etched in the memory of the university community and the whole nation at large, witnessed a gruesome massacre that claimed the lives of five promising students and left many injured. The assailants, estimated to be around 40, infiltrated the campus with a sinister mission: to eliminate key student union leaders who were actively opposing cult activities and advocating for students’ rights. Among those targeted was George Iwilade, popularly known as Afrika, the Secretary-General of the Students’ Union.
According to accounts of primary sources, The Black Axe cultists entered the university through the main gate, parked near the sports center, and proceeded on foot to Awolowo Hall. They stormed the hall, armed with guns, axes, and cutlasses, and unleashed terror on the unsuspecting students who were engaged in a late-night gyration. The attackers were heard shouting the names of their targets, including “Legacy” (Lanre Adeleke, the Students’ Union President), “Afrika” (George Iwilade), and “Dexter” (the Chief of the Kegites). Their primary target, George Iwilade, was found in his room and was shot in the head. To ensure he was dead, they further mutilated his body with an axe. The other victims, unfortunately caught in the crossfire or directly targeted, included Eviano Ekelemu, a 400-level medical student; Yemi Ajiteru, a graduating student; Babatunde Oke, a 100-level Philosophy student; and Ekede Godfrey, a student of Psychology, according to a publication by FIJ Nigeria..
The massacre sent shockwaves through the university and beyond. The following day, students, led by Lanre Adeleke, demanded the resignation of the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wale Omole, accusing him of complicity due to his alleged ties with the cultists. The student union’s suspicion was fueled by the revelation that some of the arrested cult members had implicated university staff and claimed financial support from the institution’s bursary department.
Despite the arrests, the suspected cultists were released on bail, and justice for the victims remained elusive. The university’s management faced intense scrutiny and criticism for their handling of the situation and their failure to prevent the attack despite prior warnings. The tragic events of July 10, 1999, emphasized the dangers of cultism and the importance of a vigilant and active student union. As conscious students in Nigeria university campuses, it is trite to reflect on this dark chapter in Nigeria education history and draw lessons to prevent a recurrence.
Cultism, in all its forms, is a blight on our educational institutions as it promotes a culture of fear, violence, and oppression, compromising the very essence of academic pursuit and scholarly development expected to take place in an institution of learning. As students of the University of Ibadan, it is our collective responsibility to stand against such malevolent forces. We must reject cultism unequivocally and work towards contributing to a safe, inclusive, and conscious academic environment.
Cultism thrives in environments where students are disunited and indifferent to their rights and welfare. The late George Iwilade (Afrika) exemplified the spirit of resistance and advocacy for students’ rights. His legacy is a clarion call for all students to stand firm against oppression and cult activities. To honor the memory of Afrika and the other fallen heroes, students must commit to promoting unity and solidarity, advocating for students’ rights, rejecting cultism, and ensuring that the union is strong, active and vibrant..
Honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on July 10, 1999, requires more than solemn reflection; it necessitates active opposition to the neo-liberal attacks that Afrika and others staunchly resisted throughout their lifetimes. These attacks, such as the commercialization of education, are particularly relevant today as we face similar challenges at the University of Ibadan. Different accounts from sources who were active players in the whole event revealed that Afrika championed a struggle against fee hike in the Obafemi Awolowo University shortly before the tragedy. This is a pointer that beyonf the word of mouth remembrance culture, a more important way to hold a memorial for Afrika and others is to put into practice the ideas they embodied.
The recent actions, or rather inactions, of our students’ union in the face of these attacks have been deeply disappointing. Instead of taking a definitive stand against the commercialization of education and the resultant hike in fees, the union’s response has been tepid at best. This failure to defend the interests of the student body reflects a troubling disconnect from the very ideals that Afrika and his compatriots sacrificed their lives for. To truly honor their memory, we must hold our student leaders accountable and demand that they either actively resist these neo-liberal policies or step aside for those who will.
It is incumbent upon the entire student body to reject complacency and take bold steps in opposing the commercialization of our education. This means not only vocalizing our dissent but also participating actively in the activities of our students’ union and ensuring it functions as a true representative of our collective will. A united and conscious student body is our best defense against the scourge of cultism and other forms of oppression.
