A major protest erupted in Ibadan on Tuesday as students of The Polytechnic Ibadan blocked the institution’s entrance and the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters, residents, and staff stranded for hours. The demonstration was triggered by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent announcement renaming the institution to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the late former governor and pioneer rector, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
The protest began early in the morning, with students forming barricades at the main gates and across the arterial road, effectively halting traffic flow and preventing access to the campus. Many staff members were also unable to enter the institution, further compounding the disruption.
Students, led by the Students’ Union Government, voiced strong opposition to the renaming, arguing that it threatens the school’s legacy and identity, which has been built over more than five decades. In a letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly, union leaders Oladipupo Olamide and Azeez Tolase appealed for the decision to be reversed, warning that the change could erase the institution’s reputation for academic excellence and alienate alumni.
Goernor Makinde had announced the new name at a commendation service for Olunloyo, describing him as a technocrat and patriotic leader who contributed significantly to the state and the institution. The administration also revealed plans to preserve and digitize Olunloyo’s library as a tourist attraction.
The Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA) advised motorists to use alternative routes, including Dugbe, Mokola, and Ajibode, while urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with traffic officials.
As the standoff continued, the city’s daily rhythm was thrown into chaos, highlighting deep divisions over the renaming and raising questions about how best to honour historical figures without erasing established institutional identities.
