The administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced its decision to rename the college of education after the monarch.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has kicked against the move by the Ogun State government to rename Tai Solarin College of Education after the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced its decision to rename the college of education after the monarch.
But in a statement on Sunday, Falana said it is “indisputable that the late Dr. Tai Solarin, the founder of the Mayflower School, Ikenne contributed immensely to the educational development of Nigeria”.
He said the school was rightly renamed Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC) in appreciation of the contribution of the late educationist.
He said, “Surprisingly, the Dapo Abiodun administration has announced its decision to rename the College of Education after a highly respected monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode. The decision ought to be jettisoned as the governor has not adduced any reason for denigrating the indelible record of the late foremost educationist.
“However, in view of the contribution of the Awujale to the cultural development of Ogun State and his consistent defence of justice and fair play in the country, the Ogun State Government is advised to name an important institution after the monarch. The governor does not have to assault the memory of the great Solarin in order to honour the eminent Awujale.
“Besides, the governor should be wary of the historical implications of such a seemingly insensitive decision.
“For the immense contributions that Solarin made to enhance our collective humanity, his memory cannot be honoured enough. Indeed, any country should be proud of the legacies of Tai Solarin and be interested in immortalising him.”