Former presidential candidate and veteran political activist, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, shared a touching account of a recent reunion with his long-time comrade and friend, Aremu Abiodun, popularly known as Aremson, after a health recovery.
The emotional meeting at Aremu’s home in Ota offered an opportunity to reminisce about their shared history of student activism that shaped their political consciousness and Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
Olawepo-Hashim recalled their first encounter as students at the College of Technology, Ilorin, 38 years ago.
He affectionately referred to Aremu by his nickname, Aremson, while Aremu called him Lenin, a name Olawepo-Hashim earned during his time at the School of Basic Studies.
Together, they formed a formidable partnership in the student movement that left a lasting mark on the country’s political history.
Central to their reflections was the massive student protest of May 27, 1986, which was organized in response to the brutal killing of students at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
At the time, Aremu Abiodun served as the Students’ Union President at the College of Technology’s temporary campus, while Olawepo-Hashim led operations at the institution’s permanent site, where the majority of students were based.
Despite heavy rains, the duo successfully mobilized thousands of students for a march that converged at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) premises in Ilorin.
The protest aimed to condemn police brutality and the government’s disregard for student lives. According to Olawepo-Hashim, he coordinated and motivated over 5,000 students to join the march.
The group reached as far as the Ministry of Agriculture before being confronted by a detachment of mobile police officers.
Although the demonstration was eventually broken up, they persevered, pushing closer to the NTA before being dispersed.
In a moment of respite after the chaos, the comrades regrouped at Olawepo-Hashim’s grandmother’s house in Gaa Akanbi, where they shared a meal of Amala and Ewedu amidst the backdrop of a city under curfew imposed by the military governor.
Reflecting on those turbulent times, Olawepo-Hashim praised Aremu’s leadership and resilience, noting the deep bonds forged in the crucible of activism. Their enduring friendship, despite the passage of decades, stands as a testament to their shared values and commitment to justice.
This reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by student leaders in Nigeria’s history and their pivotal role in challenging injustice.
It also underscores the power of collective action in the face of oppression, a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of activists.
Aremu Abiodun’s recovery and the camaraderie rekindled with Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim represent a celebration of resilience, both personal and political, as Nigeria’s history of activism remains a cornerstone of its democratic journey.
