Man Arrested For Alleged Cultism Vies For NANS National AGS

A wave of controversy has erupted following the candidacy of Comrade Adejuwon Emmanuel Olatunji for the position of Assistant General Secretary (AGS) in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National leadership.

Olatunji, a former Students’ Union President of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, made headlines in 2020 after being arrested for alleged cultism.

The embattled student leader was arrested in February 2020 alongside another student, Taiwo Olanrewaju, by the Ogun State Police Command.

The police accused him of being involved in cult activities, claiming he was caught in full regalia of the Black Axe cult group during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Gbogidi area of Ilaro.

Olatunji vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that he was a victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by the management of his institution to silence him for opposing policies detrimental to students’ welfare.

His arrest and subsequent suspension from the Polytechnic sparked outrage among students and activists, with many questioning the fairness of the process.

In a dramatic twist, Olatunji was discharged and acquitted of all charges by the Ogun State Magistrate’s Court in Abeokuta on June 23, 2021. Court documents revealed that he was exonerated alongside his co-accused, putting an end to the legal battle that tainted his reputation.

Despite his legal victory, Olatunji’s political journey has not been without challenges. He publicly threatened suicide in 2020, citing abandonment by friends, activists, and student groups during his ordeal.

In a heartfelt note, he accused the Polytechnic’s management of setting him up to silence his advocacy against fee hikes and other student-related issues.

Now, as he campaigns for the AGS position, Olatunji emphasizes his commitment to transparency, accountability, and the representation of Nigerian students’ interests.

His supporters have hailed him as a visionary leader, dedicated to uniting students and fostering progressive initiatives within NANS.

However, his candidacy has sparked mixed reactions. Critics have expressed skepticism about his suitability for the role, with some questioning his past and the implications of his arrest.

The Ogun State Police Command had maintained a firm stance during Olatunji’s ordeal. Speaking at the time, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, dismissed Olatunji’s claims of innocence, insisting he should prove it in court. “He is only trying to whip up unnecessary sentiment,” Oyeyemi stated.

Despite the controversies, Olatunji’s reinstatement as SUG President in July 2020, following intervention by the Ogun State government, marked a turning point in his leadership career. His current pursuit of the NANS AGS position has reignited debates about second chances and the ability to lead amidst a contentious past.

As the NANS National convention approaches, the spotlight remains on Adejuwon Emmanuel Olatunji, whose journey reflects resilience and the complexities of student leadership in Nigeria. Whether his past will hinder or bolster his ambitions remains to be seen.