The Take It Back Movement, through its Student Wing, has demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of Kabiru Toheeb Omotoyosi, a 500-level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, who was recently expelled from the institution over allegations of defamation.
In a circular circulating online, the movement described the expulsion as “illegal” and accused the university management of bias, intimidation, and favoritism. According to the statement signed by Comrade Oguntola Sunday A., Coordinator of the Student Wing of the Take It Back Movement, the disciplinary action was a direct result of Kabiru’s political rivalry with the incumbent student union president, who was reportedly the complainant in the defamation allegation.
Kabiru, who was disqualified from the union election before voting commenced, is alleged to have defamed the union president.
The university subsequently expelled him, a move the student wing of the Take It Back Movement sees as unjust and politically motivated.
“The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University must answer some very serious questions,” the statement reads. “Do they have the legal right to declare a student guilty of character defamation? Is it their duty to adjudicate such matters, or should such cases be handled by a court of law?”
The movement questioned the rationale behind the university’s handling of the matter and raised concerns about whether the same decision would have been made had the complainant not held a position of power within the student union.
Asserting that the expulsion lacked due process and undermined students’ rights, the Take It Back Movement has given the university a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse its decision. Failure to comply, they warned, would lead to legal action against the institution.
“The victimization of student voices and opposition figures on campus must end,” the movement stated, calling on human rights organizations, alumni, and civil society to stand in solidarity with Kabiru.
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