The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, has slammed a final-year student, Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi, with two semesters rustication over an alleged defamatory publication targeted at the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Mr. Oluwaseun Adeyemi Ogunmakinju, popularly known as Enzaim, and another student, Filomenal Patience Michael.
Kabiru, a 500-level student of Animal Production in the Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources, was said to have been rusticated for two semesters, according to a university memo dated April 10, 2025, and signed by the Vice Chancellor’s office.
The decision which sparked controversy within the university community, had been described by some students as “harsh and politically motivated.”
A source privy to the matter, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, revealed that Kabiru had given the SUG President position a shot but was disqualified due to a baseless technical issue with his campaign banner.
“He was disqualified because his campaign banner allegedly did not have the signature of the electoral chairman. Kabiru explained that it was an oversight by his supporters, and he made attempts to appeal the decision. But his complaints to the school management fell on deaf ears,” the source said.
Following his being booted out, Kabiru reportedly published statements criticizing the electoral process and accusing certain individuals of influencing his removal from the race.
However, the university described the statements as defamatory and initiated disciplinary action against him.
“In the heat of frustration, Kabiru spoke out. He was seen as the leading candidate before the disqualification, so his reaction was understandable,” the source added.
According to reports, Kabiru was warned by school authorities and told to publicly apologise to avoid suspension — a directive he complied with.
However, the university proceeded with the suspension, a move critics say is unjust.
“What’s particularly concerning is the timing of this suspension. Kabiru has only a few months left before he completes his degree. It’s difficult to see this as anything other than punishment for challenging the system,” the source added.
However, some student activists have begun calling for a review of the decision, arguing that the punishment is excessive and sets a dangerous precedent for free expression on campus.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the student wing of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, a human rights advocacy group, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi, a 500-level student recently suspended over alleged defamation and misconduct.
In a statement signed by Comrade Oguntola Sunday A., President of the TIB Student Wing, the group described the disciplinary action against Omotoyosi as “illegal” and a blatant case of “intimidation, favouritism, and prejudice.”
The university management had, in a letter dated April 10, 2025 and signed by Mrs. Florence O. Onayinka, for the Registrar, suspended Omotoyosi, a 500-Level student of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources, for two semesters for alleged defamation of character and misconduct.
The letter read, “You would recall that you were alleged for Defamation and Misconduct. You would also recall that you owned up to the allegation.
“After due consideration of the report of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee in respect of the case, the Vice-Chancellor has approved the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee as follows:
“That you be suspended from the University for two (2) Semesters effective from the Rain Semester of 2024/2025 Academic Session.
“By implication, you will be expected back in the University in the Rain Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Session.
“That you should go to public space and publish a formal retraction of all the defamatory publication made against Mr. Oluwaseun Adeyemi Ogunmakinju and Michael Patience Filomena.
“That you should submit the copy of retraction through the Dean, Student’ Affairs to the Vice-Chancellor.
“That you report at the Olubi Sodipo Counselling Centre for mandatory counseling.
“By a copy of this letter, all the relevant organs of the University are being informed of these decisions.”
However, in a statement signed by the National President of its student wing, Oguntola, TIB said that Kabiru, formerly a presidential candidate in the institution’s student union elections, was disqualified from the race under unclear circumstances.
According to TIB, the alleged defamation case involves the current student union president, whom Kabiru opposed in the election.
“We perceive a very high level of intimidation, favouritism and prejudice against Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi, if not, is the management of the institution idle to handle cases of defamation amongst students?
“Does the management have the legal right to declare someone guilty of character defamation?
“Why does the complainant choose to approach the management instead of a court of law in a case of alleged character defamation?” the TIB statement read.
The human rights advocacy group further questioned: “If the said complainant isn’t the union president, would the management have played the same role?”
The TIB also questioned the university’s authority to declare a student guilty of defamation without legal adjudication, labelling the school’s handling of the matter as undemocratic and oppressive.
“These and many more questions beg for answers from the management of the institution,” the statement added.
Demanding Omotoyosi’s immediate and unconditional reinstatement, TIB said, “We demand an immediate reinstatement of the suspended student within the next 48 hours, else, legal actions would be taken against the management of the university.”
