The University of Ibadan Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has made an appeal to the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba, requesting his assistance in providing the Oyo State Police Command with the necessary logistical support to uncover and apprehend the individuals responsible for the tragic killing of Professor Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole.
The professor was shot by unidentified attackers on the evening of June 5, 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In an official statement endorsed by Professor Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of ASUU’s UI Chapter, the union called upon President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate a heartfelt interest in the matter and ensure that the security system exposes the culprits behind the murder of Prof Ajewole, a distinguished academic specializing in forest economics and urban forestry.
“The ASUU-UI community is overcome with profound grief, as if our hearts have been pierced by swords. Our spirits tremble intensely, as if our innermost essence has been laid bare in the frigid wilderness. We unequivocally condemn the heinous murder of our colleague, Professor Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole, and implore the security forces to track down and apprehend those responsible for this atrocious act. It is imperative to ascertain the motive behind this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
Akinwole emphasised that the utmost tribute deserving of Ajewole’s untimely death is the swift arrest and prosecution of his killers, stressing the significance of valuing Nigerian lives within the context of the Tinubu presidency.
“The brutal murder of Professor Ajewole serves as a grim reminder of the devaluation of human life in our society,” Akinwole stated.
The ASUU leader further expressed concern over the precarious situation faced by Nigerian academics, who often receive little recognition and are subjected to inadequate treatment by both the Nigerian state and the public, despite their significant contributions to national progress and their global achievements.
He lamented the fact that scholars, who dedicate themselves to cultivating, preserving, and disseminating knowledge for the betterment and advancement of society, can be targeted for elimination.
On this somber occasion of Ajewole’s sudden demise, ASUU implored the Nigerian government to confront the issue of insecurity in the country head-on, apprehend those responsible for his murder, and ensure they face appropriate consequences.
This, the union emphasised, would be the minimum tribute that the nation can offer to honor the memory of their fallen hero and dear friend, Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole.
