Threats Against Student Journalist Raise Alarms Over Intimidation at OSPOLY Iree
Tensions are rising at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY), following reports that student journalist, Abraham Asiyanbi, is facing threats and intimidation after publishing a report based on a press statement issued by former Students’ Union President and Guinness World Record holder, Ambassador Samson Ajao.
The press statement, titled “Mr Kehinde Alabi, Tyrant OSPOLY Rector, Should Release Students’ Withheld Results,” has ignited fierce reactions from some quarters of the institution.
However, rather than addressing the substance of the allegations raised by Ajao, the backlash has reportedly been directed at Asiyanbi, who covered the story in line with standard journalistic practice.
In an open letter released on Monday, August 12, by journalist and press freedom advocate, Folaranmi Ajayi, there was a strong condemnation of what he described as “clandestine suppression and intimidation” targeted at Asiyanbi.
Ajayi, a fellow of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and former Editor-in-Chief of the NAMACOS Editorial Board, insisted that journalism is not a crime and urged the institution to redirect its focus to addressing the allegations raised by the former student leader rather than threatening the reporter.
“The journalist is not the originator of the allegations. He merely reported a public statement released by a former Students’ Union President… It is deeply concerning that instead of addressing the content of that statement, attention is now being misdirected toward attacking the reporter,” Ajayi stated.
Asiyanbi himself has shared his own experience of the threats. He recounted that a senior staff member told him, “Anything that happens to me doesn’t concern him,” adding that a female lecturer, whom he knows, had also advised him not to visit her again. “He said I should write a rejoinder on the story,” Asiyanbi added, pointing to a demand for him to retract or clarify his report.
Ajayi called on the management of OSPOLY to publicly denounce any threats against the press, ensure the safety of the student journalist, and release the results of all affected student leaders without delay.
According to Ajayi, the hallmark of any academic institution lies in its ability to foster transparency, dialogue, and constructive dissent. “You cannot lay claim to being a citadel of learning while deploying instruments of fear, censorship, and punishment against exceptional students,” he added.
Efforts to reach the management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the incident has continued to generate reactions online and within campus circles, with student advocacy groups and press freedom organisations closely monitoring developments.
Ajayi concluded his letter with a strong warning:
“Nigeria is watching. Osun State is watching. The world is watching. And history will not forget.”
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