The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has warned students and the entire university community against cultism and cult-like activities on the campus.
The union leaders in a statement sent to The PUNCH on Sunday gave the warning, noting they had observed “with great concern, certain cult-like movements and activities by some individuals on campus.”
The union reiterated its stance against cultism in a statement jointly signed by its President, Secretary General, and Public Relations Officer, Omoboriowo Isaac, Babatimehin Kínfẹ́ọsi and Aka Daniel, respectively.
“The Great Ife Students’ Union maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cultism and cult-like activities on Obafemi Awolowo University campus. The union holds in high regard the sacrifices of George Iwilade (Afrika) and the OAU 5, and we remain committed to ensuring their legacy is not dishonored.
“OAU is renowned as a cultism-free campus, and we are resolute in sustaining this legacy,” they said.
The student leaders urged all students to “desist from cult-like activities and remain vigilant against individuals promoting such practices.
“Any individual, whether a student or non-student, found engaging in cultism or related activities will face the full force of the law,” the statement added.
The OAU community has historically maintained zero tolerance for cultism, a legacy passionately sustained since the July 10, 1999 cult attack on the campus which led to the gruesome murder of five students including Iwilade, who was the Secretary-General of the union at that time.
Every July 10, the students’ union holds commemoration events in remembrance of the slain students and to reiterate their stance against cultism.
