FOSSU NATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE Appreciation and Clarity: Celebrating Governor’s kindness, Affirming Electoral Committee, and Setting Boundaries

PRESS RELEASE

BEING THE PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT, FEDERATION OF OYO STATE STUDENTS’ UNION (FOSSU) NATIONAL COUNCIL

Date: June 30, 2025

Issued By: Sen. Sodiq Yusuf
(Outgoing Senate President, FOSSU National Council)

The Office of the Senate President of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU) National Council issues this statement to address critical matters affecting the union and the broader indigenous student community.

1. APPRECIATION TO HE GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE

The FOSSU National Council extends its profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support toward the welfare of indigenous students, particularly through the disbursement of student bursaries. While we acknowledge this laudable gesture, we respectfully remind His Excellency of the pending balance of the bursary payment and urge its swift resolution for the benefit of affected students.

2. RECOGNITION OF THE FOSSU ELECTORAL COMMITTEE

Pursuant to provisions of the FOSSU Constitution, the Electoral Committee inaugurated on June 14, 2025, at the Ibarapa Zone stands duly recognized. The Senate reaffirms the legitimacy of this committee and calls on all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the forthcoming electoral process.

3. CLARIFICATION ON THE MISINTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

The Senate notes with concern the erroneous interpretation of the FOSSU Constitution by the Presidents of the National Association of Oke-Ogun Students (NAOOS) and the National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS). As automatic senators under FOSSU, their roles and obligations must align strictly with the union’s supreme laws.

4. CAUTION AGAINST UNDUE INTERFERENCE IN THE ELECTIONEERING PROCESS

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Students’ Affairs has been using the Governor’s name and government agencies to threaten and torment stakeholders who refuse to comply with his selfish interests. This must stop immediately. As an extension of the Governor’s oversight, the SSA must maintain neutrality. The current appointee is advised to refrain from undue interference in FOSSU’s transitional processes. The union’s autonomy must be preserved, and the SSA’s role should be that of an impartial liaison, not an active participant in internal affairs.

We hereby caution Mr. Victor Olojede to resist from his perpetual acts of atrocity that are disruptive to the peace and progress of our dear union, which may put some spots on the immaculate image of Gov. Seyi Makinde.

5. DIRECTIVE FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AUDIT

To ensure accountability and a seamless transition, the already dissolved Central Executive Council presided by Com. Alarape Ibrahim is hereby directed to:
– Immediately commence and conclude within 72 hours a comprehensive audit of the outgoing administration’s finances, projects, and records
– Handover all union properties including the FOSSU bus to the Electoral Committee
– Provide full accountability of all FOSSU land and assets

Failure to comply with these directives will leave the Senate with no option but to escalate the matter to the Oyo State Government, anti-graft agencies, and student stakeholders for appropriate action.

6. CONDOLENCE ON THE DEMISE OF COMRADE ADELERE ABIODUN

The FOSSU National Council mourns the tragic loss of our beloved leader; *Com. Adelere Abiodun* whom during his lifetime,was visionary, committed and of course one of the pillars of indigenous students movement. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, associates, and the entire student community. His legacy of service and advocacy will endure in our collective memory.

CONCLUSION

FOSSU remains committed to protecting the interests of Oyo State students and fostering unity across all zones. We urge all parties to adhere to constitutional provisions, promote transparency, and prioritize dialogue in resolving disputes.

For Media Inquiries Contact:
SEN. BABALOLA OLAJIDE M
+234 906 672 7188

Signed:
Sen. Sodiq Yusuf
Outgoing Senate President, FOSSU National Council.