BREAKING: DSS Whisk Away Obafemi Awolowo University Students Protesting Nyesom Wike During Speech

Tension erupted at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on June 5, 2025, when security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened to whisk away students who raised placards criticizing Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike during his speech at the university's Distinguished Personality Lecture.

The students' protest momentarily disrupted the event, sparking national debate over student rights and freedom of expression.

During the event held at OAU’s Oduduwa Hall, two students, Oladepo Joshua and Ejike Kelechi, boldly displayed placards demanding justice and compensation for residents whose properties were allegedly demolished under Nyesom Wike's administration in Abuja.

The placards read messages calling out the minister for perceived injustices, directly challenging his leadership.

The students’ action immediately drew the attention of the crowd and the minister himself. Within minutes, DSS officers and university security personnel moved swiftly to remove the protesting students from the venue.

Eyewitnesses reported the students were taken away for questioning. The university’s Public Relations Officer later clarified that the students were “rescued” to prevent harm, though no formal arrests were confirmed.

The event has triggered mixed reactions nationwide. While some praised the swift action to maintain peace during an official function, many student rights organizations condemned the move as a violation of democratic principles.

The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neoliberal Attacks (ANSA) described the removal of students as “repression and suppression of free speech.” They argue that university campuses must remain spaces where students can express political dissent without fear of intimidation.

Similarly, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) criticized the university for adopting a “heavy-handed” approach, warning that such incidents signal a growing authoritarian trend in Nigerian higher education institutions.

This incident throws into sharp relief the ongoing tension between security protocols and students' rights to free expression in Nigerian universities.

While government officials emphasize the need for order and safety during public events, critics argue that dissenting voices should not be silenced, especially on critical socio-political issues affecting citizens.

The most searched word today on Google is ‘Freedom of Speech’, highlighting how this event resonates with a wider global discourse on protecting the right to voice opinions without fear.

The protest and its aftermath reflect broader challenges Nigerian universities face in balancing governance, student activism, and civil liberties. As political figures increasingly engage with students on campuses, the role of security agencies in managing protests will remain controversial.

Observers suggest universities need clear policies that protect peaceful demonstrations while ensuring safety.

Open dialogue between student bodies, university authorities, and government representatives is crucial to prevent similar incidents from escalating.

The dramatic removal of OAU students protesting Nyesom Wike’s policies underscores the critical intersection of student activism and state authority in Nigeria.

As debates around freedom of speech intensify, Nigerian universities must navigate the complex terrain of safeguarding democratic rights without compromising security.

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At Busterblog.com, we’ll continue to monitor this story and bring you the latest updates on political developments and youth movements in Nigeria.