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The suspended rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, on Thursday, returned to the institution and resumed in his office.
His return follows the ruling of the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which granted an interim order restraining Osun State Governor, Sen Ademola Adeleke, and 14 others from appointing a rector for the institution.
Odetayo, who was led into the premises of the institution by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), was accompanied by some associates as he resumed in his office, after prayers were offered by staff that had come to welcome him.
Addressing the staff, Odetayo, who expressed surprise that he was suspended without being queried, said he returned to the school having secured and order, which had restrained Adeleke 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.
“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 take its course. I am back to continue working towards moving the polytechnic forward,” Odetayo said.
Adeleke had suspended Odetayo through a letter dated July 11, over alleged financial recklessness and abuse of office.
He subsequently appointed Mr. Kehinde Adeyemi as acting rector, while a committee was constituted to investigate the allegations against Odetayo
Meanwhile, the acting rector of the institution, Adeyemi, has called for calm, describing Odetayo’s return as “forceful invasion”.
In a statement he personally signed, Adeyemi said: “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.
“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.”