From Cheers to Chaos: How Asake’s Visit Ended in an Assault at an OAU Student

By
        Ezekiel Ogunniyi

In OAU, what was supposed to be a moment of pride and excitement for the students took a disturbing turn on Monday, 22 December, when a student was physically assaulted by a pilot attached to the helicopter that conveyed the popular Nigerian artiste and OAU alumnus, Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, during his visit to his alma mater.

Asake’s visit, which was organized by the Department of Dramatic Arts, had drawn the attention of students of the university. For many, it was more than seeing a celebrity, it was about witnessing someone who once sat in the same classroom return home safely. At the Sports Complex, students gathered with phones in their hands, hoping to catch a glimpse and take pictures and videos of the artist’s chopper landing, before he departed to the venue.

Ajibade Omotayo, a student who, like others present, was simply caught up in the excitement of the moment, however, the aftermath shocked the campus community.

Videos that later went viral on social media showed a pilot operating the helicopter, owned by Elin Air & Aviation Services Limited, physically assaulting the student. Despite attempts to retreat and apologize, the student was allegedly slapped and kicked, an incident many described as unnecessary, humiliating, and deeply troubling.

The footage sparked immediate outrage

Reacting swiftly, the Great Ife Students’ Union condemned the incident in strong terms, describing the assault as barbaric and unwarranted. The Union maintained that no security protocol gives anyone the right to physically attack a student, especially within the university environment. It demanded a public apology to the victim and the OAU community, disciplinary action against the pilot, a proper investigation, and compensation for the physical and emotional harm suffered.

                   1/2 of the Students'Union Reaction 

                   2/2 of the Students'Union Reaction 

In the same vein, the Faculty of Social Sciences Students’ Association, (FOSSSA) OAU, also lent its voice, expressing solidarity with the affected student, who is reportedly a first year undergraduate. The association emphasized that the student posed no threat and was only participating in a moment that should have been celebratory. 

                     FOSSSA OAU Reacts


Beyond student activism, the incident has now entered the legal space. Legal counsel to the victim, Rotimi Stephen Esq, formally petitioned the management of Elin Air & Aviation Services Limited, describing the pilot’s conduct as a gross violation of the student’s constitutional right to dignity. 


The legal team demanded a public apology and ten million naira in compensation, warning that failure to comply within 72-hours would lead to legal action and petitions to aviation regulatory authorities.



As of press time, Alien Air has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, conversations continue across campus and online, with many students reflecting on how a moment meant to inspire turned into a painful reminder of how quickly power can be abused.

For the Great Ife community, the incident has raised a bigger question. How safe are students, even within their own campus, and who is held accountable when that safety is violated?


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