Osun Government orders closure of State Poly
The Osun State Government has ordered the closure of the State Polytechnic, Iree Campus, for two weeks.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, the order for closure was issued on Thursday.
The directive for the closure comes after the suspended Rector, Tajudeen Odetayo, forcefully returned.
“This 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 immediate break is a necessary action in order to maintain peace in the Institution consequent upon 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 cooperate fully and adhere to these directives.”
The state government suspended Odetayo through a letter signed by Kehinde Jimoh, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, on July 24, 2023, for alleged gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
Alabi Kehinde was appointed in an acting capacity to replace him.
Following an order of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division which reinstalled him as Rector, Odetayo resumed office early on Thursday
Delivering a ruling on the motion, Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale granted an interim order restraining Governor Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a rector for the polytechnic.
Justice Ogunbowale also ordered Adeleke and other respondents to stay further action on the institution, pending the hearing of the motion on notice slated for October 10, 2023.
The judge had directed that a hearing notice be issued to all respondents before the next adjourned date.
Meanwhile, the state government’s appointed acting Rector, Kehinde Alabi, has appealed to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm.
Alabi charged Staff and students in the school not to submit themselves to any form of intimidation, but to maintain peace and order.
In a personally signed statement on Thursday, Alabi said, “The state government is looking into the situation and will get a stay of execution in court.”
