Kayode Adams

Kayode Ted Adams (died October 1969) was a student activist at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who became controversial in 1965 after stabbing then-Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Lagos, Saburi Biobaku.[1][2][3]

Attack on Saburi Biobaku

Following the non-renewal of Prof Eni Njoku's term as VC of UNILAG, Prof Saburi Biobaku was appointed VC by the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, then Prime Minister of Nigeria. The decision was unpopular with UNILAG students who felt ethnic favoritism informed Biobaku's appointment.[1] During Biobaku's outreach to the UNILAG community in June 1965, Kayode Adams approached the podium and stabbed Biobaku in the back.[1] Biobaku was rushed to a UNILAG medical center where he was treated for his wounds while the Nigerian Police arrested Adams. UNILAG was shut down for months following the stabbing incident because of resulting tensions.

Trial

Adams was arraigned for stabbing the Biobaku, raised a defense of insanity, and pleaded not guilty. Despite his insanity defense, Adams was found guilty of attempted murder, confined to the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, and rusticated from UNILAG.[1]

Death

Adams was found dead at Bar Beach, presumably from drowning in October 1969.[4][5]

References
  1. Famoroti, Francis. "How radical student stabbed Biobaku, UNILAG VC in 1965". National Mirror. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  2. Ebenezer Babatope (1991). Student power in Nigeria (1956-1980). Ebino Topsy. p. 54.
  3. "'Why I Stabbed My Vice Chancellor'". The Eagle. 2018-07-22. Retrieved 2019-10-26.
  4. "2 Bodies on the Beach". Sunday Times. October 5, 1969.
  5. Momoh, Tony (October 19, 1969). "Did Kayode Adams die a mad man?". Sunday Times.
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