30/04/2024
Justice Walk for Iyanda: FESSU Makes Demands to Ekiti State Govt, Ekiti House of Assembly, Pays Condolence Visit to Deceased Family, Ologotun Palace, Igbara-Odo/Ogotun LCDA Leaders.
In follow up to the tragic incident involving the loss of life of Iyanda Damilola, a recent graduate and serving Corps member, and the brutal assault on his brother, Iyanda Oluwafemi, a student, both from Ekiti State, the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU), led by Comrade Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, has taken a bold stance for justice and accountability.
The union led the students of the state in a Justice Walk to demand immediate action from the Ekiti State Government and House of Assembly. During the demonstration, Comrade Benjamin Onileowo addressed the Speaker, Rt. Hon Stephen Adeoye Aribasoye, and Honourable members at the Ekiti State House of Assembly in Ado-Ekiti, unequivocally condemning the egregious act of police brutality. He demanded swift and unequivocal justice for the victims and stressed the importance of a comprehensive and urgent investigation to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Comrade Benjamin Onileowo also appealed for adequate compensation for the bereaved family and urged the government to collaborate with their counterparts in Oyo State, where the tragic incident occurred due to the misconduct of a police officer attempting to extort the victim who went for his brother's convocation ceremony. He advocated for the swift release of the deceased Corps member's remains for dignified burial and comprehensive treatment for his gunshot-inflicted brother, Oluwafemi.
In reaction, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, condoled with the family of the deceased and students of Ekiti State, condemned the senseless killing and brutal assault, and assured the Students and the good people of Ekiti State that the Government of Ekiti State and the House of Assembly will do everything within their capacities to ensure justice and meet the demands of the students union.
Following the Justice Walk, Comrade Benjamin Onileowo and his team paid condolences to the family of the deceased in Ogotun-Ekiti, their hometown, and visited the Palace of Ologotun of Ogotun, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi Atewogboye II, as well as the council leaders of the Igbara-Odo/Ogotun LCDA under the leadership of Chairperson Hon. Bukola Olowolaju, to express solidarity with the community during their time of mourning.
Addressing the press in Ado-Ekiti, National President Comrade Benjamin Onileowo reaffirmed FESSU's unwavering solidarity with the grieving family and all students of Ekiti State. He pledged the union's relentless pursuit of justice and accountability in cases of police misconduct, emphasizing the importance of preventing such tragic incidents from recurring.
The Justice Walk and subsequent actions by FESSU underscore the determination of Ekiti students to stand up for justice and support those affected by acts of violence and brutality anywhere in the country.
Announcer:
*COMRADE BAMIGBOYE OLANREWAJU ADEDOYIN*
National PRO, Federation of Ekiti State Students Union
+2348163218987
Tuesday, 30th April, 2024