Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan have taken to the streets to protest the renaming of the institution after the late ex-governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
On June 26, Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo, renamed The Polytechnic Ibadan in Oyo after Omololu Olunloyo, a late former governor of the state.
At the commendation service for the late Olunloyo, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Makinde said the renaming was to honour Olunloyo for his service to the institution as the pioneer rector.
He added that Olunloyo contributed his quota to the development of the state during and after his short tenure as the governor.
The governor described the deceased as a technocrat, a true leader, a patriotic citizen and a man with a deep sense of culture.
However, the renaming has stirred disturbance among students of the polytechnic who took to the streets in protest on Tuesday.
The students blocked the entrance gates of the institution. They also blocked the ever-busy Sango-Eleyele Road, which left hundreds of commuters plying the road stranded.
The Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYTMA) in a statement by the Executive Chairman, Maj. Adekoya Rtd. enjoined commuters to use alternative routes for their movements pending the temporary blockage of the roads.
He wrote: “The general public are hereby informed of an ongoing student protest at The Polytechnic Ibadan, main Gate, the road in front of the school gate has been temporarily blocked.
“Motorists heading towards Eleyele, Apete, Ijokodo, and nearby areas axis from Sango and vice visa are advised to take alternative routes through Dugbe, Mokola or Ajibode to avoid delays and unnecessary confrontation.
“We appeal to all road users to remain calm, cooperate with traffic officers, and follow all traffic diversion signs.
“Thank you for your understanding.“
Olunloyo is the first Ibadan indigene to govern old Oyo State, serving a brief tenure between October and December 1983.
