The Osun State Government has ordered the closure of The State Polytechnic situated at Iree Campus, for two weeks to curb the break down of law and order in the institution caused by the forceful return of the suspended Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, to office.
The announcement, issued in a statement sent to the press on Thursday by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, also captured the immediate freezing of all the school bank accounts and urged all parties to adhere strictly to the orders.
Odetayo, who was suspended through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kehinde Jimoh, on July 24, 2023 for alleged gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office returned to the institution on Thursday following an order of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division which reinstalled him as Rector.
He had been replaced by Alabi Kehinde who was appointed in acting capacity.
“This to inform the general public, particularly members of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree to proceed on two
weeks 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.
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“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.”
While delivering ruling on the motion earlier, 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 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 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 stay of execution in court.”
