Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus Closed for Two Weeks as Suspended Rector Returns.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Osun State Government has issued a directive to close The Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus, for a period of two weeks. This decision comes on the heels of the reinstatement of the suspended Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo.
The closure order was officially announced through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, on Thursday. The statement reads as follows:
“To inform the general public, particularly members of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to proceed on a two-week break, with immediate effect. The immediate break is a necessary action to maintain peace in the institution following the forceful return of the suspended Rector, Dr. T.A. Odetayo. The general public should also note that school accounts have been frozen with immediate effect, and it is imperative that everyone cooperates fully and adheres to these directives.”
The suspension of Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo had been ordered by the state government through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Kehinde Jimoh, on July 24, 2023. The suspension was based on allegations of gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office. During this period, Alabi Kehinde had been appointed to serve as Acting Rector.
However, in a surprising twist, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo resumed office early on Thursday, following an order from the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, which reinstated him as the Rector. Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale, delivering the ruling on the motion, granted an interim order restraining Governor Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a new rector for the polytechnic.
Justice Ogunbowale further directed that all respondents, including Governor Adeleke, stay any further action concerning the institution until the hearing of the motion on notice scheduled for October 10, 2023. A hearing notice is to be issued to all respondents before the next adjourned date.
In response to these developments, the state government’s Acting Rector, Kehinde Alabi, has appealed to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm. Alabi has encouraged staff and students not to submit to any form of intimidation but to maintain peace and order. He also stated, “The state government is looking into the situation and will seek a stay of execution in court.”
As the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus, temporarily closes its doors, the future of the institution remains uncertain, with legal proceedings set to unfold in the coming weeks.
