Otitoju Femi
A decade after the tragic loss of two valiant unionists while coming from an official trip from the National Executive Council Meeting, Abuja died in a fatal accident in 2015 in the struggle for staff welfare and justice for the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) branch, held a solemn and reflective commemorative lecture in honour of the late Comrades Olayiwola and Kolawole.
The commemorative event took place on October 16, 2025, at the New Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Science, FUOYE, drawing together stakeholders from within and beyond the university community. The programme featured passionate speeches, soul-stirring tributes, and a resounding call for reflection, unity, and justice within the institution.
In a riveting commemorative lecture delivered by the National President of the Association, Comrade Haruna Mohammed Ibrahim “Let Us Reflect”,
Speaking on behalf of the President, Comrade Azeez Temidayo Aguda, set the tone for deep soul searching. He urged all staff and union members to question whether the vision and ideals of the departed comrades had truly been upheld in today’s FUOYE.
In his words, “The late comrades did not plan to die; they had a vision for a better FUOYE,” Comrade Aguda said. “They wanted a thriving union and an institution where justice reigns. But ask yourself, is this the SSANU and FUOYE they died for?”
He further stressed that public office, whether in union or university administration, must be exercised with conscience and accountability.
He went on “If people do not miss you when you are absent from your duty post, then you have failed as a staff. Every action we take today will be recorded, either as a blessing or a burden for the future,”
Earlier in his welcome address, FUOYE SSANU Branch Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Faleye, described the day as one of deep significance, not just for SSANU, but for the entire university community.
He said, “This is an occasion that calls for true respect. Today, we remember our heroes who laid the foundation of unionism in FUOYE. If God tarries, their names will be written in gold,” he said.
Our on going Secretariat project will be named after the duo of fallen heroes as they died in active service
Faleye used the occasion to appreciate both past and present union executives for their resilience and sacrifices in the face of adversity. He highlighted several union achievements, including the successful negotiation of relocation allowances, the 2025 promotion exercise, which recorded over 80% success, and the union’s commitment to lawful advocacy.
According to him, “Unionism is a thankless job, but we are not discouraged. We fight for justice, and despite division, majority support is what keeps us going,” he noted.
He also singled out the branch secretary, Comrade Ayomikun Aluko, for her strength and excellence, declaring, “She’s a woman to be recommended.”
The programme featured several emotional responses from veteran unionists and respected staff. Emeritus Chairman, Comrade Mutiu, who narrowly escaped the fatal incident that claimed the lives of the two heroes, called for truth and sincerity among staff members.
He said, “Death is inevitable, but so is leaving FUOYE. So, whatever we do today must be guided by truth and conscience,” he said.
He lamented the continuous internal strife plaguing the university and criticized attempts to frustrate union activities, including what he described as unwarranted police invitations and administrative interference.
Comrade Ojo Ebenezer (O.J. Connect), in his remarks, spoke passionately about the collapse of trust in FUOYE.
Also speaking at the memorial lecture, Mr. Ogeuilaya Sunny, Personal Assistant to the University Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Victor Edoma-Egba, SAN represented the governing council alongside with the external council member, Barr. Maxwell was at the event and conveyed the chairman’s goodwill.
He said, “Today is a new dawn for SSANU and for the families of the departed. I assure you, your message has reached the council. Our chairman wants peace.”
He revealed ongoing efforts by the council, including negotiations with the Federal Mortgage Bank to secure hostels and staff housing, and urged all parties to support developmental goals.
In his words, “Let’s forget the past. We are all stakeholders in this project called FUOYE. We must stop the quarrelling and build together.”
In a moving tribute, the children of th deceased, Mr Olayiwola Adeolu and Kolawole Smart, expressed gratitude to FUOYE SSANU, the staff members, the FUOYE community, and especially the Chairman of the University Governing Council and all council members for attending the memorial lecture in honour of their late fathers.
We are thrilled that the university has not forgotten us and also thankful for the generous donations from the representative of National SSANU, the representatives of the council Chairman , FUOYE SSANU and other SSANU executives from BOUESTI, EKSU, and FUTAjust to mention a few
“Your love and support mean a lot to us. Thank you for remembering our fathers,” Adeolu and Smart said.
In her vote of thanks, Comrade Ayomikun Aluko, Secretary of FUOYE SSANU, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to truth and justice.
According to her, “What we are fighting for is justice. If you see SSANU standing against management, it’s because we are standing against injustice,” she said.
She also thanked representatives from FUTA, EKSU, BOUETI, and others who came to show solidarity
The commemorative event ended with a strong message of peace and purposeful leadership. From the national union’s message to personal reflections by comrades, the central theme remained clear; a better FUOYE is possible, but only if all stakeholders, union, management, and staff embrace justice, truth, and unity.
“Every spirit of conflict in FUOYE must vanish,” Comrade Aguda declared. “Let us reflect. Let us build. Let us make FUOYE the university our departed heroes dreamed of.”
