Darkest In The History Of Nigeria Universities, Good Night Afrika
July 10, 1999: The OAU Massacre and the ⁹⁰Murder of George Iwilade “Afrika”
On July 10, 1999, members of the Black Axe confraternity brutally murdered George Iwilade, popularly known as “Afrika,” and four others at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
George Iwilade, also called “Afrika,” was a 21-year-old 300-level Law student and the Secretary-General of the Students’ Union. He was a fearless and brilliant student, easily recognized for his traditional attire.
He openly fought against cultism on campus. Afrika led a raid on a location where members of the Black Axe were gathering. During the raid, guns, axes, daggers, black clothing, and regalia belonging to the Black Axe confraternity were seized.
Nine students were handed over to the university authorities and the local police. However, the suspects were discharged and acquitted by a magistrate court after key evidence mysteriously went missing during the trial.
Then came the revenge.
On Friday night, July 9, 1999, thousands of Kegites from universities across Nigeria gathered at the OAU campus for their festival.
The crowd was massive. There was loud singing, drumming, and palm wine drinking. Taking advantage of the festivities, 40 masked Black Axe members dressed in black entered the campus unnoticed.
Between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on July 10, they stormed the student hostels, shouting the names of specific student union leaders and firing guns.
They entered Room 273, Block 8, Awolowo Hall. Afrika was shot in the head while sleeping and repeatedly hacked with an axe, leaving him with no chance of survival.
They also searched for the SUG President, Lanre Adeleke, known as “Legacy,” who escaped through the balcony.
Four other innocent students were killed: Eviano Ekelemu, a 400-level medical student who ran into them; Babatunde Oke; Efe Ekede; and Yemi Ajiteru, a graduating student who had only returned to campus to clear a carryover course.
This remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of Nigerian universities — an incident that brought the country to a standstill.
Today marks 27 years. Every July 10, students, alumni, and civil society groups organize candlelight processions, symposiums, and remembrance marches for the OAU 5.
George Iwilade “Afrika” lost his life, but his story continues to inspire generations of OAU students.
The second picture shows Omoyele Sowore (1st) with Afrika (3rd) during a campus protest.
