Your Suspension Is Constitutional — NAOSS National Replies Embattled VP

The National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) National Headquarters has responded to claims made by its suspended Vice President III, Comrade Salawu Azeez Adebayo, insisting that his suspension is in strict adherence to the association’s constitution.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, 25th March 2025, signed by the Executive President, Comrade Adedibu Mustafa Akinsumbo, alongside other key executive members, the leadership of NAOSS maintained that the suspension of Comrade Salawu was lawful and followed due process.

The statement referenced Section 10, Subsections 1(a) and 1(f) of the NAOSS constitution, which grants the President the authority to act as the head of the association and Chairman of the National Executive Council (NEC). It further noted that in the absence of a sitting National Representative Council (NRC), the President is empowered to exercise the powers of the Senate when necessary.

“Contrary to the misleading claims being peddled by Comrade Salawu, the NEC acted within its constitutional rights. His suspension was not arbitrary; it was based on documented acts of misconduct, insubordination, and abuse of office,” the statement read.

The leadership of NAOSS detailed the specific offences that led to the embattled Vice President’s two-month suspension. These included: Abuse of Office; Insubordination; Usurpation of Power; Factionalisation of the Union; Egocentrism

According to the statement, the controversy began with an essay writing competition proposed by Comrade Salawu on 9th March 2025. The initiative, initially presented as a national project, was discussed extensively within the NEC. It was agreed that all Vice Presidents, in collaboration with their respective district executives, would form a committee to manage the competition. This committee was tasked with setting the criteria for participation, establishing rules, and appointing judges from each of the nine Federal Constituencies in Osun State.

However, the NAOSS leadership accused Comrade Salawu of acting unilaterally by excluding his district’s executive members and creating a separate Facebook account for the competition — actions the union described as unconstitutional and detrimental to unity.

“These actions undermined the collective decision of the executive council and created unnecessary factions within the association. NAOSS stands for unity and transparency, and we cannot tolerate actions that jeopardise the collective interest of our members,” the statement added.

The leadership dismissed claims that the suspension required the intervention of the NRC, stating that the President acted within his constitutional powers, especially since the NRC is not in session. It also urged NAOSSites to disregard any communication portraying the essay competition as an official project of the union.

“The essay competition publicised by Comrade Salawu is not a NAOSS-endorsed programme. We distance ourselves from any activities associated with it,” the statement noted.

NAOSS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accountability and unity within the association while encouraging members to focus on collective progress rather than personal grievances.

“Let it be clear that the suspension remains valid. The actions of Comrade Salawu violated the spirit of unity that NAOSS stands for. We remain committed to serving our students with transparency and fairness,” the statement concluded.