In a recent turn of events amidst the ongoing legal dispute between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his academic records from Chicago State University, Olajide Adeniji, a self-proclaimed classmate, has stepped forward with a sworn affidavit affirming his familiarity with the President during their university years.
Taking the stand in a United States district court, Adeniji testified under oath about his relationship with President Tinubu during their time at Chicago State University. He claimed to have contested against Tinubu in the race for the position of President of the Accounting Society Club within the Department of Business Administration/Accounting at their alma mater.
Durojaiye Ogunsanya, a public affairs analyst, has also asserted his connection to the President as a coursemate. However, it is Adeniji’s recent oath, taken on September 23 at the Northern District of Illinois Court in Chicago, that has garnered significant attention. In his affidavit, Adeniji unequivocally states:
“I, Olajide Adeniji, after having been first duly sworn upon oath, do hereby state that I am over 21 years of age, that I have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein, and could competently testify thereto if called upon to do so: I attended Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois from 1977 to 1979 when I graduated with a degree in Business Administration/Accounting in 1979.
“I am familiar with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is now the President of Nigeria. I was a student at Chicago State University from 1977 to 1979, and Bola Tinubu and I were in the same course of study. I also ran in a closely-contested race against Bola Tinubu for the Leadership of Accounting Society Club of the Department of Business Administration/Accounting. I also recognize and know the person who I attended Chicago State University with, Bola A. Tinubu, is the same person who is now the President of Nigeria. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C 1746, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
This new development adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing legal battle and raises questions about President Tinubu’s academic history. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this testimony will impact the outcome and the public’s perception of the situation.