How Angry Protesters Stormed University of Ibadan in 1971 Over the Death of a Student

In the year 1971, students of University of Ibadan protested the killing of their colleague, Kunle Adepeju, by the Nigerian police during a peaceful protest.

The students were protesting the poor state of the University which included the quality of the catering services exacerbated by the apparent dishonesty of the manageress. The students felt she was inefficient, with deficient people, skills and they petitioned the Vice Chancellor for her removal. 

The reluctance of the University authorities to remove the manageress over the allegations resulted in the demonstration by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, University of Ibadan. Kunle Adepeju was apparently a quiet young man who was noted for going about with his flute and had not been involved in any protest.

On February 1, 1971, Kunle Adepeju met his death. His lifeless body was laid near the bus stop to Queen’s Hall and covered in a white bed sheet. Young Kunle was hit by a stray bullet fired by one of the policemen called in to suppress the protest.

A further 4-day protest ensued in Ibadan and spread to Lagos where according to Reuters, demonstrators burned down police posts and hunted policemen who in some cases disrobed to hide their identity and to escape the violence. 

The authorities matched violence with violence. Clearly, the focus of the protest had shifted from poor catering to state oppression. This was one of the first occasions when police were used to suppress students’ protest.