In his capacity as Chief Security Officer of Osun State, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has appealed to citizens of Ile-Ife who are protesting the choice of the new Vice Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamisile to sheathe their sword in the name of peace.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan, in a statement on behalf of Governor Oyetola said that Ivory Towers is a sacred place, which must be preserved for capacity development.
He noted that though the state has no role in the choice of who becomes the Vice Chancellor of the university, being a federal institution, he has responsibility for the safety and security of the institution and its workers as the host Governor.
He, therefore, urged all protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign.
“It is with 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,” he admonished.
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