FOSSU National Senate Bows Out, Commends Makinde, Warns SSA, Orders Audit of Outgoing Executives

…insists on union autonomy, backs Ibarapa electoral committee, gives 72-hour deadline for handover

The Senate arm of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union, FOSSU National Council, has expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for what it described as unwavering support to the welfare of indigenous students, especially through the disbursement of student bursaries, which it said remains a commendable gesture. The Senate, however, appealed to the Governor to ensure that the pending balance of the bursary is paid without further delay, in order to ease the financial strain on affected students.

The outgoing Senate President, Sen. Sodiq Yusuf, made this known in a press release dated June 30, 2025, in which the Senate also reaffirmed its full recognition of the Electoral Committee inaugurated on June 14, 2025, at the Ibarapa Zone, stressing that the committee stands valid and legitimate under the FOSSU Constitution. The Senate called on all stakeholders to support the electoral process and respect the committee’s authority in conducting a credible election.

Meanwhile, the Senate took a hard stance against what it described as undue interference in the union’s transition process, accusing the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs of meddling in the internal affairs of FOSSU. The Senate alleged that the SSA, Mr. Victor Olojede, has consistently used the name of the Governor and that of government agencies to threaten and torment stakeholders who refuse to submit to his personal interests. It noted that such actions must stop immediately, as they are contrary to the role expected of a government liaison.

The Senate emphasized that, as a representative of the Governor, the SSA must maintain neutrality at all times, and that the current appointee should desist from acts that are disruptive to the peace and progress of the union, warning that continued interference could taint the good image of Governor Seyi Makinde among the student populace.

In a decisive move to ensure accountability and transparency, the Senate directed the already dissolved Central Executive Council, led by Comrade Alarape Ibrahim, to begin and complete a comprehensive audit of the administration’s finances, projects, and records within 72 hours, hand over all union properties, including the official FOSSU bus, to the Electoral Committee, and provide full accountability of all FOSSU lands and assets.

The Senate warned that failure to comply with these directives will compel it to escalate the matter to the Oyo State Government, anti-graft agencies, and the broader student community for further investigation and possible sanctions.

The press release marks the formal exit of Senator Sodiq Yusuf as Senate President of the FOSSU National Council, and concludes with a strong call for unity, fairness, and respect for the constitution and structures of the union.