Condemnations As Osun Student Leaders Suspend Vice President For Planning To Organise Essay Competition

The leaders of National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) National Headquarters have come under fire following their recent decision to suspend Comrade Salawu Azeez Adebayo, the Vice President III, for allegedly attempting to organise an essay competition independently.

The suspension, which took effect from 12:01 AM on 25th March 2025, has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders and the general public, with many questioning the rationale behind the disciplinary action.

In a press release signed by the NAOSS National President, Comrade Adedibu Mustafa Akinsumbo, the association accused Salawu of several offences, including abuse of office, insubordination, and the usurpation of power.

The statement further alleged that Salawu’s actions were capable of factionalising the union.

As part of the suspension, the embattled Vice President is barred from attending meetings, participating in decision-making processes, or representing the union in any capacity pending further investigations.

However, a subsequent statement from the President’s office revealed that the controversial essay competition was initially conceived as an official NAOSS programme to be executed through the three Senatorial Districts. It was reported that Salawu bypassed his fellow executives, rolled out promotional flyers, and unilaterally claimed the initiative as his own, despite warnings to desist.

The President maintained that the suspension was necessary to preserve the unity and integrity of the union.

Despite the leadership’s stance, the suspension has been met with widespread criticism.

Several students and stakeholders have expressed concerns that the punishment appears excessive for an initiative intended to foster academic excellence.

Critics argue that the executive body could have resolved the matter internally rather than resorting to suspension.

Meanwhile, the NAOSS leadership insists that the decision was reached with the support of all other executives, excluding the suspended Vice President.