Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has appealed to
citizens of Ile-Ife who are protesting the choice of the new Vice-Chancellor
for the Obafemi Awolowo University to give peace a chance and stop the protest
forthwith.
Some Ife indigenes invaded the varsity’s campus with charms
and other fetish objects on Monday protesting the announcement of Prof. Adebayo
Bamire as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of OAU.
The protesters argued that an Ife indigene should have been
appointed.
The closed the institution’s gates to prevent staff,
students, and other stakeholders from either going into or leaving the
University.
The protesters, who initially blocked the main gate of the
University on the first day and threatened staff and students to stay away from
campus, allegedly became violent the second day as they beat up workers,
particularly the staff of the Security Unit, and vandalised their office at the
Main Gate.
In a statement by Governor Oyetola’s Chief Press Secretary,
Ismail Omipidan, on Tuesday evening, he noted that Ivory Towers anywhere in the
world are sacred institutions and everything must be done to accord them that
dignity.
He noted that though the state has no role in the choice of
who becomes the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, being a Federal
institution, he has responsibility for the safety and security of the
institution and its workers as the host Governor.
To this end, he urged all protesting citizens to exercise
restraint and allow peace to reign.
He further said : “It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense
of concern that I call on the good people of Ile-Ife, especially those
protesting over the choice of a new Vice Chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University,
OAU, to stop further protest and give peace a chance.
“By their nature and functionality, universities are rules-
and convention-based conservative institutions premised on academic and
governance autonomy.
“If we have any reason to believe that these rules are
circumvented, there are laid-down procedures to remedy such situations rather
than resorting to self-help. We are known for peace in Osun. We must therefore
not do anything to tarnish that enviable reputation,” Oyetola added.
Last Thursday, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council,
Owelle Oscar Idoko, announced Professor of Agricultural Economics, Prof Banire,
as its substantive new Vice-Chancellor.
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