Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Monday launched a protest against the recent decision by the Oyo State Government to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, caused a major disruption on the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and resulting in a traffic gridlock.
The unrest followed the announcement by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the school Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic in honour of the former governor who passed away recently at the age of 89.
Olunloyo holds a historical place in the state’s political legacy as the first Ibadan native to serve as governor of the old Oyo State.
According to findings by Chronicle NG, the protesting students barricaded both the entrance gates of the polytechnic and blocked the adjoining Sango-Eleyele Road, disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
While the protest remained largely peaceful as of press time, the atmosphere around the school was tense, with many students chanting slogans and carrying placards rejecting the name change.
Further developments on the situation are expected as the state government has yet to issue an official response.
