By Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Student' Union, has dismissed claims by the Alale Royal Palace over the reopening of the Akungba Okerigbo barricade, describing them as “misleading and aimed at shifting blame.”
In a statement signed by the SUG President, Comrade Salami Akeem (Ologbon), the Union said its earlier audio clarification was to defend its actions in preventing further road accidents, including the October 22 tragedy.
According to the SUG, a meeting held on October 18 at the Palace with security officials and student representatives resolved that heavy-duty vehicles be barred from using the route. A key was issued to the Union for monitoring, while spare keys remained with individuals linked to the Palace.
The Union alleged that these individuals, known as “Palace boys” converted the barricade to an illegal toll gate, collecting money from truck drivers and allowing unsafe passage.
“Since our involvement, no truck has been allowed through the road. We have kept watch to prevent unauthorized movement,” the statement read.
The SUG further disclosed that one of the Palace boys was apprehended while attempting to collect money from a driver and was handed over to the police.
It accused the Palace of attempting to politicize tragedy rather than address corruption around the barricade.
The Union urged His Royal Majesty, Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu (Agure I), the Alale of Akungba to investigate those responsible for compromising safety, insisting that student leaders cannot be silenced.
“We will continue to defend the truth and prioritize student welfare,”the statement concluded.
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