The Independence Hall Literary and Debating Society (Indy L&D) has called for the reversal of what it describes as a “grave injustice” during the quarterfinal round of Jawwar 2024 on December 5, 2024. The society, in a public release, accused the leadership of The Literary and Debating Society (TLDS) of breaching constitutional fairness and disregarding established precedents.
The controversy began when both Independence Hall and Idia Hall prepared arguments for the same side of the debate, a situation arising from conflicting information in the Speakers’ Pack provided by TLDS. Despite previous precedents allowing such cases to be judged independently based on speech quality, TLDS and Idia Hall allegedly insisted on penalizing Independence Hall with score deductions and requiring them to rewrite their speeches less than 24 hours before the competition.
“This decision was unprecedented, unconstitutional, and against the spirit of fair play,” Independence Hall L&D stated. The society expressed disappointment at what it termed “an intentional, carefully thought-out attempt to publicly embarrass and disgrace the representatives of the Great Independence Hall Literary and Debating Society.”
In the lead-up to the competition, Independence Hall members reported immense pressure, working tirelessly to rewrite their speeches. “The mental pressure was insane. Despite the demoralizing series of events, we were determined to show up with standard speeches to protect the image of our great hall,” the statement read. Despite these challenges, they delivered their arguments and believed their performance surpassed that of their opponents.
However, in an unprecedented move, TLDS leadership failed to release the competition results, a decision Independence Hall criticized as undermining the integrity of the competition. “It was clear to all and sundry that we won,” the society claimed, adding that the decision not to declare the winner was a deliberate attempt to tarnish its image.
The society has called on Senate representatives, advisors, and the alumni body to join in reversing what it described as “the darkest night in the history of UI’s public speaking.” It emphasized that “an injury to one is an injury to all” and reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal avenues within the laws of TLDS and the University of Ibadan to ensure justice is served.
“We believe that the office of TLDS Presidency is a position of trust held on behalf of students of the University of Ibadan,” the release concluded. Independence Hall assured the public of its determination to uphold the integrity of the competition and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
