A deepening controversy has erupted in Akungba following the release of an audio recording allegedly made by the President of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union, Comrade Salami Akeem, popularly known as Ologbon. The recording, which the Palace of the Alale of Akungbaland described as propaganda, was purportedly meant to defend himself over recent criticisms but has instead sparked outrage for allegedly maligning the traditional institution.
The uproar comes in the aftermath of the tragic truck accident that occurred on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, along the Akungba–Okerigbo axis, a route that had earlier been declared permanently closed to heavy-duty vehicles following a joint security resolution. The Palace of the Alale of Akungbaland, in a press statement issued through its Media and Publicity Unit, accused the student leader of distorting facts and politicizing a tragedy that claimed innocent lives.
According to the Palace, a crucial meeting was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Alale’s Residential Palace with representatives of the Students’ Union, the Okerigbo community, and the Divisional Police Officer. The meeting, presided over by the Palace leadership, resolved to barricade the Okerigbo route using laterite or Adcor materials to prevent trucks from passing. The DPO reportedly contacted the supervising engineer, who immediately carried out the directive, after which the padlock used to secure the barricade was handed over to the Students’ Union President.
The Palace stated that from that moment, the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the barricade rested with the Students’ Union and the engineer, while the DPO was fully aware of the arrangement. It therefore declared that any incident that occurred after October 18 should be accounted for by those responsible. The Palace condemned the Students’ Union President’s audio as an attempt to shift blame, mislead the public, and undermine a Palace that has consistently prioritized the safety and welfare of both students and residents.
The Palace further alleged that the Ondo State NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Mayomi Adekanye, popularly known as INEC, had been inciting protests against the Palace even before the fatal incident. It claimed that his actions were influenced by personal motives connected to a chieftaincy dispute within his family, rather than any genuine concern for the students. The Alale of Akungbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu, Agure I, reiterated that while peaceful demonstrations are acceptable in a democracy, the Palace must not be dragged into political intrigues or propaganda capable of threatening the peace and unity of the community.
In a swift and fiery response, the Students’ Union President, Comrade Salami Akeem, dismissed the Palace’s claims as false, misleading, and defamatory. In a counter-statement titled *A Clarification on Recent Events and Counters Baseless Allegations from Akungba Palace*, the Union leader accused certain individuals affiliated with the Palace of corruption, extortion, and negligence in managing the road closure.
According to him, during the October 18 meeting, the Palace admitted that a spare key to the barricade padlock had been lost, but evidence later showed that individuals known as “palace boys” retained control of the key and allegedly used it to collect bribes from truck drivers seeking passage. He claimed that the Palace’s oversight had been compromised by these corrupt acts, which effectively turned the barricade into an illegal toll point.
The Union leader explained that the Students’ Union took decisive action to secure the barricade and prevent further abuse. He asserted that since then, the Union had maintained strict vigilance, ensuring that no trucks were allowed through. He further alleged that one of the palace boys was caught attempting to facilitate unauthorized access and was promptly handed over to the police.
Comrade Akeem maintained that the Union has gathered credible evidence, including a voice recording and video footage, which identifies individuals involved in the alleged extortion scheme. He said the materials would be submitted to the police and anti-corruption agencies for investigation. He accused the Palace of trying to divert attention from the real issues of corruption and negligence that contributed to the tragic loss of lives, insisting that the Students’ Union remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of students and residents.
He called on the Alale of Akungbaland to launch a transparent investigation into the activities of his aides rather than smear the reputation of student leaders. The Union, he added, would continue to pursue justice and uphold its duty to protect students through lawful means despite efforts to silence it.
The heated exchange between the Palace and the Students’ Union has sparked tension across Akungba, with residents and students divided over the matter. Many community members have called for an independent probe to establish the truth about the management of the road closure and the events leading up to the deadly truck accident.
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