In a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, narrowly avoided what could have turned into a violent clash as students from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) staged an angry protest in Abeokuta, the state capital, over skyrocketing school fees.
The protest, which erupted along the busy streets of the city, quickly escalated into a tense situation after the Deputy Governor’s convoy encountered the demonstrators. The students, armed with sticks and rocks, were furious about the recent hike in school fees, and their anger was directed at the convoy that contained the state’s second-in-command.
Salako-Oyedele was en route to the 35 Artillery Brigade Alabama, where she was scheduled to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day reception. However, her journey was abruptly interrupted as the convoy found itself caught in the midst of a mounting protest.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with students blocking the road and chanting slogans against the government’s handling of the fee increase. As they realized the Deputy Governor was part of the convoy, the anger of the students reached a boiling point.
“We were simply protesting the fee hike, but as soon as we saw the Deputy Governor, we became even more upset. We felt like she could address our concerns,” said one of the protesting students, who preferred to remain anonymous.
The Deputy Governor’s convoy was immediately surrounded by the irate students, and attempts to continue the journey were quickly thwarted. The students, some wielding dangerous projectiles, surged forward, attempting to forcefully halt the convoy.
Despite the growing unrest, Salako-Oyedele’s security detail and a heavy police presence, including several officers from the Ogun State Command, attempted to keep order. However, as the situation deteriorated, it became clear that further escalation could lead to a violent confrontation.
In an effort to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, the Deputy Governor’s convoy took a quick detour, returning to her lodge to allow the protesters to pass through and regain control of the area. The strategic move was made to protect both the safety of the Deputy Governor and the public, allowing her to proceed with her official duties later that day.
According to a statement released by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Salako-Oyedele’s decision to divert her route was made to ensure the situation did not escalate. “The Deputy Governor remained committed to her responsibilities, and in line with the guidance of security personnel, a detour was made for safety reasons,” Akinmade said.
While the protest caused significant disruptions to traffic, including roadblocks and damage to security vehicles, it was reported that some police officers sustained injuries while trying to maintain order. However, despite claims by certain sources that the situation had spiraled into violence, Comrade Adeyanju Francis, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), vehemently denied these reports.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Francis clarified that the protest had remained peaceful and that the students had no intention of causing harm to anyone, including the Deputy Governor. “Contrary to reports suggesting an attack, there was no confrontation with the Deputy Governor. The students were simply protesting peacefully, and they were not armed with sticks or any dangerous weapons,” he said.
Francis also emphasized that the protest had been carried out under the supervision of multiple Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), along with a Deputy Commissioner of Police, ensuring that law and order were maintained throughout the demonstration. He added that the students had gathered with the expectation that the Deputy Governor would address their grievances regarding the school fee hike.
Several eyewitnesses who were on the ground at the time corroborated Francis’s account, stating that the students had gathered with hopes of engaging in a peaceful dialogue over the fee issue. They were not expecting the Deputy Governor’s convoy to be obstructed, but when they saw her, they believed she might offer a response to their concerns.
The issue of rising school fees has been a long-standing concern in Ogun State, with students across the region expressing frustration over the increasing cost of education. MAPOLY, a prominent institution in the state, has been a focal point of these protests, with students from the institution leading several demonstrations in recent months.
The state’s government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, has faced mounting pressure to address the concerns of students, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise and financial burdens increase for many families.
Meanwhile, as tension remained high in Abeokuta, the Deputy Governor was able to resume her official duties after the protest subsided. It was reported that she later attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, where she paid tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
