The Great Ife Students’ Union at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has cautioned students and the broader university community of cultism and cult-like activities on campus.
In a statement provided on Sunday, union leaders issued the warning, stating that they had seen “with great concern, certain cult-like movements and activities by some individuals on campus.”
The union issued a declaration opposing cultism, signed by its President, Secretary General, and Public Relations Officer, Omoboriowo Isaac, Babatimehin Kínfẹ́ọsi, and Aka Daniel, respectively.
“The Great Ife Students’ Union has a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and cult-like activities on the Obafemi Awolowo University campus.
The union values the sacrifices of George Iwilade (Afrika) and the OAU 5, and we are determined to ensuring that their legacy is not harmed.
“OAU is renowned as a cultism-free campus, and we are resolute in sustaining this legacy,” they said.
The student leaders urged all students to “desist from cult-like activities and remain vigilant against individuals promoting such practices.“
“Any individual, whether a student or non-student, found engaging in cultism or related activities will face the full force of the law,” the statement added.
The OAU community has historically maintained zero tolerance for cultism, a legacy passionately sustained since the July 10, 1999 cult attack on the campus which led to the gruesome murder of five students including Iwilade, who was the Secretary-General of the union at that time.
Every July 10, the students’ union holds commemoration events in remembrance of the slain students and to reiterate their stance against cultism.