A significant controversy has arisen between the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union (AAUASU) and the Akungba Palace following the release of an audio message detailing earlier moves by the union to prevent a similar tragic occurrence by the SUG President, Comrade Salami Akeem (Ologbon). The audio was intended to address recent controversies but has instead escalated tensions within the community.
The incident follows a tragic accident on October 22, 2025, along the Akungba–Okerigbo road, a route that had been permanently closed to heavy-duty vehicles after a joint security meeting on October 18. This meeting, held at the Alale’s Residential Palace, included representatives from the AAUASU, the Okerigbo community, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO). A resolution was made to barricade the road to prevent further accidents.
Palace Responds to Audio Release
In a press release, the Akungba Palace condemned the audio message, accusing the SUG President of distorting facts and attempting to defame the Palace. The Palace emphasized its commitment to community safety and criticized the students’ union for politicizing a tragic event.
The Alale of Akungbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu, stated that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, the Palace should not be drawn into personal disputes or unfounded allegations. He urged all parties to refrain from actions that could disturb community harmony.
SUG President Defends Union’s Actions
In response, Comrade Salami Akeem defended the audio message, asserting it was meant to clarify the union’s position and hold the Palace accountable for alleged corruption. He claimed that individuals linked to the Palace had turned the barricade into an illegal toll gate, endangering the safety of students and residents.
In his words:
“As the student union president of Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union, I wish to address the misleading and defamatory press release issued by the Media and Publicity unit of the Alale Royal Palace, Akungbaland, which seeks to malign the integrity of the student Union and deflect responsibility for the tragic accident on October 22, 2025, along the Akungba–Okerigbo axis. This response is necessary to set the record straight, defends the truth, and exposes the corruption and negligence undermining the enforcement of the road closure.”
“Contrary to the Palace’s distorted narrative, the released audio message was to justify the stand of the union in a factual clarification and the Union’s efforts to ensure accountability and safety. The Palace’s attempt to politicize this tragedy and discredit the students’ union is a desperate move to obscure their own failures.”
“On October 18, 2025, a meeting was held at the Alale’s Residential Palace with student union representatives, Palace boys and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO). The meeting was resolved to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from using the route, thereby averting further loss of lives. The barricade was secured with a padlock, and one key was handed to the student union for monitoring. However, the spare keys which they claimed had been lost remained with individuals affiliated with the Palace, known as “palace boys.”
Akeem insisted that the student union had taken its responsibilities seriously, successfully preventing heavy-duty vehicles from passing through since assuming control of the barricade. He also mentioned that evidence of extortion by Palace affiliates would be submitted to law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
As at news time, a peaceful demonstration has reportedly started in the university’s host community, with various student groups, including NANS Ondo JCC, mobilizing solidarity support for the action already commenced by the varsity’s student union.
