The organization called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to stop taking actions that defy court orders and undermine the rule of law.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a civil society organization, has expressed “deep concern over recent developments surrounding the alleged removal of the Rector of Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree”.
The organization called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to stop taking actions that defy court orders and undermine the rule of law.
Governor Adeleke, on Thursday, shut down the polytechnic after two rectors, Dr Tajudeen Odetayo and Mr Kehinde Alabi, resumed duty.
Odetayo was suspended recently by the governor as the rector, but he returned to the campus on Thursday upon his reinstatement by the Industrial Court sitting in Lagos State.
Adeleke suspended Odetayo on July 11, 2023, over allegations of fraud and appointed his kinsman, Alabi as the acting Rector but the staff members of the school faulted the governor’s decision.
However, both Odetayo and Alabi resumed duty as rector of the polytechnic on Thursday which caused confusion on the campus.
Consequently, the state government in a statement issued by the education commissioner, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, shut down the institution and also froze its bank accounts.
In a statement endorsed by HEDA Resource Centre's Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group urged the state government to immediately halt any further actions associated with the appointment of a new acting Rector for the school in strict adherence to the court's order.
"We call on the Osun State Government to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the independence and integrity of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria by refraining from any form of interference.
“The rule of law is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy, and it is imperative that government actions, especially those carrying significant implications by those who benefitted from protection of the courts to be in power, are conducted within the confines of the law." Suraju said.
Furthermore, the organization also reminded the governor and relevant authorities of their duty to adhere to established legal procedures when selecting candidates for pivotal positions.
Rule of law and merit-based selection are fundamental to the efficient operation of institutions and the advancement of society, HEDA said.
The organization promised to closely monitor developments surrounding the “alleged suspension of the OSPOLY Rector and the resolution of the conflicts arising from it”.
It implored all stakeholders to prioritize the principles of the rule of law, justice, and transparency in the matter.