Tension in Ibadan as Polytechnic Students Protest Renaming, Block Major Road

Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, took to the streets on Tuesday in a massive protest against the recent decision by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.

The students, in their numbers, blocked the main entrance of the institution’s South Campus and shut down other access gates, paralysing academic and administrative activities on campus. The protest also led to the total blockade of the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters, staff, and residents stranded.

Governor Makinde had, during a commendation service held in honour of Olunloyo at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, announced that the institution would henceforth be known as “Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.” The renaming has since sparked outrage among the student body.

In a statement released earlier, the Student Union Government (SUG), led by Comrade Oladipupo Olamide, condemned the governor’s decision, describing it as “unjustifiable and degrading,” and calling for its reversal.

The Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), in response to the protest, issued a traffic advisory urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. In a statement signed by the Executive Chairman, Maj. Adekoya (Rtd), the agency advised commuters heading to Eleyele, Apete, Ijokodo, and nearby areas from Sango to reroute through Dugbe, Mokola, or Ajibode.

“The road in front of the school gate has been temporarily blocked. We appeal to all road users to remain calm, cooperate with traffic officers, and follow all traffic diversion signs,” the statement read.

As of the time of filing this report, the protest remains peaceful but firm, with students vowing to continue their resistance until the government reverses the name change. Security operatives have been deployed to the area to maintain order.