"Children in the Cage, Justice on Trial": Oyo Acting Governor, Alepata of Igboho, and Academic Titans Storm UNILORIN as Prof. Mariam Shatters Glass Ceilings at 305th Inaugural Lecture

Ayekooto Media News Desk

 

Professor Mariam AbdulRaheem-Mustapha 

ILORIN — The Main Auditorium of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) was shaken to its very foundations on Thursday evening, not by a physical earthquake, but by an unprecedented convergence of royalty, political heavyweights, and academic titans. The university community was thrown into a festive frenzy as Professor Mariam Adepeju AbdulRaheem-Mustapha delivered the institution’s historic 305th Inaugural Lecture.

 

The Alepata of Igboho  and the 
Inaugural Lecturer

The highly anticipated intellectual feast, titled “Children in the Cage, Justice on Trial,”was a masterful and emotionally charged dissection of Nigeria's juvenile justice system.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling

Prof. AbdulRaheem-Mustapha did not just mount the rostrum to deliver a lecture; she stood there as a living testament to barrier-breaking excellence. The university community erupted in applause as her staggering academic milestones were reeled out: she is officially the First Female Professor of Public Law, the First Female Head of the Department of Public Law, and the Second Female Professor in the history of the UNILORIN Faculty of Law.

The occasion was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who led a grand academic procession that included the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the University Registrar, the University Librarian, and an array of distinguished professors from various departments across the campus.

The Message: A Passionate Plea for Child Offenders

In a lecture that left the packed auditorium in pin-drop silence, Prof. Mariam focused her scholarly lens on the agonizing plight of vulnerable minors trapped in the rigid gears of the criminal justice system. She argued fiercely for special, rehabilitative treatment for child offenders rather than punitive destruction. 

 

Delivering her thesis with the precision of a legal luminary and the deep empathy of a mother, she declared: 

"The purpose of child justice is not to deny wrongdoing, but to correct without crushing, to protect without becoming permissive, and to recover the child without disregarding the victim."

 

Warning the nation of the sociological ticking time bomb created by neglecting at-risk youth, she offered a profound reflection:

"A society that cages its children through neglect and then confines them through punishment places its own future in danger. However, a society that corrects, protects, rehabilitates, and reintegrates child offenders invests in peace, security, and human dignity."

She brought the monumental lecture to an unforgettable close with a poignant summary that drew a standing ovation: "Children are too young and too vulnerable to stand alone. And when children remain in the cage, Justice remains on trial."

The Igboho Takeover: A Massive Show of Solidarity

If the academic delivery was breathtaking, the sheer demographic presence at the auditorium was historic. Ayekooto Media observed that a staggering 75 percent of the overflowing audience consisted of proud indigenes of Igboho, who stormed the Kwara State capital to celebrate their illustrious daughter.

The event practically transformed into an Igboho national convention. The massive delegation was led by the paramount ruler of Igboho land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo, the Alepata of Igboho, accompanied by his high chiefs. The spiritual leadership of the community was equally heavily represented by the Chief Imam of Igboho land and a powerful League of Imams.

 
 

Adding massive political and executive weight to the occasion was the Acting Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Chief Bayo Lawal. Chief Lawal, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Irepo Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSIOSA), was present alongside the Association’s Chairman Mr Adeyanju and other top executive members to honor the new professor.

 

Other prominent dignitaries who graced the front rows included:

Hon. Prince Olaide Muhammed: The energetic Member of the House of Representatives representing Irepo, Oorelope, and Olorunsogo Federal Constituency.

Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, OON: The globally recognized academic titan and former JAMB Registrar.

The wife of Late Dr. Abduljelil Amoloye

The Proud Mother of the Inaugural Lecturer: Who beamed with unquantifiable joy as her daughter was decorated with the ultimate academic honor.

 

As the sun set over the UNILORIN campus, the celebrations spilled out of the auditorium into the university walkways, complete with photo sessions, royal blessings, and cultural pride. It was not just a victory for Prof. Mariam AbdulRaheem-Mustapha or the Faculty of Law; it was a profound, unforgettable day of glory for the entire Igboho Kingdom.

AYEKOOTO MEDIA NEWS DESK Uncompromising Truth. Unfettered Accountability.

⚠️ Post Disclaimer

All rights reserved. This material and other digital content on this website are not and do not represent the official stance of Ayekooto Media, but the statements, claims, and opinions of the newsmakers and guest writers mentioned therein.

For your detailed news reportage and inquiries, contact the Editor at Phunshor01@gmail.com.

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".