OAU Distances Itself from Viral Banner Endorsing Governorship Candidate

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disassociated the institution from a banner circulating on social media that suggests the university is backing a candidate in the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

The banner in question insinuates the university’s support for Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO, who is the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA). Oyebamiji emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in December 2025 for the election scheduled for August 8, 2026.

In a statement released on Monday, the University declared the claim as false and misleading, stressing that the institution remains strictly non-partisan.

The clarification was contained in a release signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, who said the management’s attention had been drawn to the viral banner.

“The University wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and does not in any way reflect the position of the institution,” the statement read.

Olarewaju emphasized that OAU, as a foremost federal university, does not endorse, sponsor, or align with any political party, candidate, or campaign. He reiterated that the institution’s core mandate is teaching, research, and community service, all of which are carried out within the principles of fairness and inclusivity.

The statement further explained that while staff and students are constitutionally entitled to their personal political beliefs, such individual views do not represent the official stance of the university.

“While members of our University community are entitled, in their individual capacities, to their personal political beliefs and civic rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, such views do not, in any way or at any point, represent the official position of the University,” Olarewaju added.

The management urged the public to disregard the banner and any other materials seeking to associate the university with partisan political interests. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity and institutional neutrality of OAU at all times.