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Protesting workers in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria University (SSANU) and Non Academic Staff of University (NASU) on Thursday stormed the campus with a mock coffin, baked and shared bean cake (Akara) to formally end the tenure of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole.
The mock casket with the inscription “RIP Tale Omole” was laid at scene of the protest while akara balls were shared to mark end of Prof. Omole’s tenure.
Prof. Omole, who officially ended a five year tenure as Vice Chancellor on Thursday, had been at loggerheads with the two unions over the appointment of Prof. Ayobami Salami as the institution’s VC.
The workers accused Omole of imposition, with the emergence of Prof. Ayobami Salami as Omole’s successor.
The National Exco of NASU had dissolved the OAU branch in a June 21 letter citing continued breaching of NASU constitution in its opposition to the appointment of a new VC in the university but the protesters have vowed not to back down.
SSANU Chairman, OAU Branch, Comrade Ademola Oketunde, was also quoted as saying that his union will continue with the struggle, insisting that choice of Prof. Salami would not be accepted.
Oketunde said the new Vice Chancellor would not be allowed to resume, until all their demands were met.