In 1998, shortly after the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola in prison, Toyin Okanlawon, along with other students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, took to the streets to protest the passing of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. However, what was meant to be a peaceful protest soon turned into a bloodbath as security agents opened fire on the protesters. Many lost their lives, while some ended up losing a limb or two at the operating theatre.