On July 10, 1999, a tragic incident occurred at Obafemi Awolowo University where five students, namely George Akinyemi Iwilade (Afrika), Eviano Ekeimu, Yemi Ajiteru, Babatunde Oke, and Godfrey Ekpede, were allegedly murdered by members of the Black Axe Confraternity.
This horrifying event has etched itself into the memory of every student and beyond, making July 10 a day of significance. The sacrifice made on that day continues to serve as the foundation for the freedom experienced on the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus today. The school community remains steadfast in rejecting cultism, intimidation, and any form of oppression.
Commemorating these heroes and paying tribute to their memory has become a customary practice.
The activities of the 24th-year commemoration started on July 8, 2023, with the signing Of condolence at the Aluta Square, Students Union Building, Obafemi Awolowo University. Followed by a Movie night in the evening where students watched an interview by Sahara Tv where the Students’ Union President, 1998/99, Lanre Adeleke Legacy gave an account of the Massacre. Sarafina, A Movie Which Demonstrates the Anger Surrounding Apartheid was shown thereafter.
Subsequently, on July 9, 2023, the student held an Anti-Cultism rally on campus where students of the university engaged in sensitizing the university community about the significance of July 10 and why cultism should not be an option. Later in the evening, Students headed to Anglomoz for a Bonfire. The bonfire had in attendance, the Executive Elect of the Union, The Man-O-War, The kegite Club, Members of The Press and many Other OAU Students.
Following the first two days’ activities, a symposium with the theme, “Early Intervention And Awareness In Preventing Cultism: Reflecting On The Past, Rebuilding For The Future” was held on July 10 at Amphi Theatre where Students had the privilege to listen to the perspective of former Union Leaders.
By Ajibade Abdullah Adewale
