Osun shuts Iree poly over resumption of rector suspended for ‘fraud’

The Osun government has directed staff and students of the State Polytechnic in Iree to proceed on a two-week break, citing the resumption of Tajudeen Odetayo, the suspended rector, as the reason for its action.

Odetayo was suspended in July by the state government on account of alleged financial recklessness and abuse of office.

He was subsequently replaced with Kehinde Adeyemi in an acting capacity, while a committee was constituted to investigate allegations against him.

NAN reports that Dipo Eluwole, state commissioner of education, announced the closure in a statement on Thursday.

“This is to inform the general public, particularly members of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to proceed on two two-week break with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“The immediate break is a necessary action to maintain peace in the institution following the forceful return of the suspended Rector, Dr 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.”

Odetayo’s return followed after the ruling of the Lagos division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which granted an interim order restraining Ademola Adeleke, the Osun governor, and 14 others from appointing a rector for the institution.

Odetayo was led into the premises of the school by armed operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and was also accompanied to his office by some associates and staff of the polytechnic.

While addressing the people who received him, Odetayo expressed surprise that he was suspended without being queried.

He said he returned to the school having secured a court order that had restrained the governor from appointing another rector.

“I was really surprised when my suspension letter came in because, prior to that, I didn’t receive any query or called for any meeting,” he said.

“I am resuming back to office because the court has given an injunction on the matter and there is a stay of execution.

“I know our governor is a listening person and I want to appreciate him for allowing the rule of law to take its course.

“I am back to continue working towards moving the polytechnic forward.”

In reaction to the development, the acting rector, in a statement, called for calm, describing Odetayo’s return as a “forceful invasion”.

“Following the forceful invasion of the office of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree’s Rector, by the suspended Rector of the institution, as the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, I appeal to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm,” he said.

“I urge you to remain calm and go about your normal duties without any protest.

“The government has taken steps to ensure that normalcy returns.”