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There was confusion in Osun State Polytechnic Iree as two persons lay claim to the position of rector of the polytechnic.
The state governor, Ademola Adeleke, had suspended the rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, for alleged financial recklessness and appointed one Kehinde Alabi to act as rector of the polytechnic.
The action of Adeleke was vehemently rejected by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), who accused the governor of imposing an unqualified person, alleging that Alabi was considered because he was jailed from the same town, Ede, with the governor.
Odetayo approached the industrial court to secure an injunction, directing the governor to let the status quo remain pending the determination of the suit.
While the court restrained the state government from appointing another rector, Odetayo stormed the polytechnic, Thursday, to resume as rector of the polytechnic.
Odetayo presented the injunction of the industrial court to those who wanted to prevent him from entering the rector’s office and he succeeded with his loyalists from academic and non-academic staff.
A few minutes later, Alabi along with his ASUP faction arrived at the school and converged inside a hall on the campus.
The polytechnic ASUP had been polarized shortly after the removal of Odetayo as some members later declared their intention to resume and continue with the academic exercises.
In a statement he issued and made available to Journalists by Tope Abiola, Alabi urged students and staff to remain calm as the government is taking necessary steps to ensure peace returns to the campus
“I urge you to remain calm and go about your normal duties without any protest,” Alabi said.
Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the immediate closure of the polytechnic with the account frozen immediately.
A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, directed the students to proceed on a two-week break with immediate effect. (Blueprint)
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