Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, the suspended Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has returned to the institution and resumed his office following an interim order granted by the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. The order restrains Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a new rector for the institution.
Dr. Odetayo was escorted onto the campus by operatives of the Department of State Security and was accompanied by associates. He resumed his duties in his office after receiving prayers and support from staff members who had gathered to welcome him.
Addressing those present, Odetayo expressed surprise at his suspension, noting that he had not been queried or called to any meeting before receiving the suspension letter. He cited the court injunction and stay of execution as the basis for his return and thanked the governor for allowing the rule of law to take its course. He expressed his commitment to working towards the progress of the polytechnic.
Odetayo was suspended by the Osun State Government on July 11, citing financial recklessness and abuse of office. Mr. Kehinde Adeyemi was appointed as the Acting Rector, and a committee was established to investigate the allegations against the suspended Rector.
In response to Odetayo’s return, the Acting Rector, Adeyemi, called for calm and referred to it as a “forceful invasion.” He urged members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm and continue their normal duties without engaging in protests, assuring them that the government was taking steps to restore normalcy.