By: Patrick Ezihe
The Great Independence Hall of Residence, otherwise known as the Katanga Republic, like every other public hostel at the University of Ibadan, has a leadership structure. The Republic operates a governing structure that includes both the hall management and student leadership, which consists of the Indy Hall Executive and Legislative Councils.
The fundamental purpose of government leadership, both locally and globally, has been to address the needs and concerns of the people. As the British philosopher Jeremy Bentham once said, “the government should always bring greater happiness to the greatest number of people.” However, this noble philosophy does not seem to be reflected in the social contract between the Indy Hall 14th Assembly and Katanga Republic it is constitutionally bound to represent.
Assuming the legislative leadership of the hall on March 15, 2025, the 14th Assembly, led by Honorable Gbadebo David, as the Speaker of the Council, along other Floor Representatives, had assured Katangites of commitment to their welfare.
During the legislative sitting that led to the dissolution of Honorable Egboche-led 13th Assembly, David Gbadebo, the Speaker of the Indy Hall Legislative Council, outlined a seven-point agenda aimed at fostering continuity, effective communication, and improved welfare for the hall residents. The plans, which were presented during the inaugural sitting of the 14th Assembly, focused on collaboration, outreach, and proactive governance. While these plans may appear sound on paper, their implementation remains nothing but a wishful thinking in the daily lives of Katangites. The 14th Assembly, led by Hon. Gbadebo David, seems to have lost sight of its constitutional mandate and the promises it made to the hall residents.
The Achilles’ Heel of the 14th Assembly
The misrepresentation of Katanga Republic by the policy-making Council began as early as the first week of the academic session, when the Indy Hall Executive Council imposed charges on new residents that exceeded the payable dues sanctioned by the University of Ibadan Students’ Representative Council (12th Assembly). Despite its role as a check on the excesses of the Executive Council, the 14th Assembly failed to hold the Peculiar-led administration accountable for defaulting the binding policy.
Equally concerning is the failure of the Speaker of the Council, Honorable Gbadebo David, to uphold his promise of continuing the agenda left unfulfilled by the 13th Assembly. One of the key objectives billed for successful implementation by the Hon. Egboche-led 13th Legislative Council was aimed at curbing the defacement of the hall environment with campaign stickers, particularly by student residents vying for elective positions within the hall. This policy was met with non-compliance during the previous administration and continues to be defaulted.
Even now, as the next hall election approaches, some candidates have begun the indiscriminate posting of stickers around the hall premises. Yet, the 14th Assembly remains apparently silent, failing to enforce the policy or address the ongoing violation.
It will also be recalled that the Speaker pledged to prioritize the welfare of Katangites, a promise that was meant to address the community’s persistent concerns. Despite this assurance, the fundamental issues facing the hall residents have yet to see the daylight of solution, as Katangites continue to endure poor living conditions that compromise their dignity and well-being.
Among the most glaring concerns are the unsanitary and dysfunctional toilet systems and other facilities, including faulty appliances, which symbolize the broader neglect. While some may argue that these conditions predated the emergence of the Council, such does not absolve the leadership of responsibility, as the Speaker, along the other Floor Representatives had signed social contract deal to prioritize Katangites’ welfare
Since assuming legislative leadership on March 15, 2025, the 14th Assembly has held less than two sittings, which majorly addressed executive budget approval. Meanwhile, Katangites have continued to face pressing challenges that affect their welfare. One of the most critical concerns that emerged was accommodation issue. Many residents had to wait weeks or even months before being allocated rooms, disrupting their academic endeavors. Despite the urgency of the situation, the Assembly failed to convey an emergency sitting to address the concern.
Another unaddressed concern is the prevalence of theft within the hall. A significant number of Katangites have lamented the theft of their belongings, including clothing. Yet, the 14th Assembly has taken no visible legislative action. No emergency sitting has been formally convened to deliberate on or resolve the matter.
Nevertheless, it is never too late for the 14th Assembly to re-evaluate its commitment to the welfare of the Katanga Republic. Our upcoming legislative sittings must go beyond routine budget approval to address the pressing issues affecting our welfare. It is high time Indy Hall Legislative Council, led by Hon. Gbadebo David, did away with its perpetual neglect of issues affecting Indy Hall residents. The misrepresentation is too apparent.
