The suspended Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, on Thursday, returned to the institution and resumed in his office.

His return was sequel to the decision of the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which granted an interim order restraining Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a rector for the institution.

Odetayo, who was led into the premises of the institution by operatives of the Department of State Security, was accompanied by some associates as he resumed in his office, after prayers were offered by members of staff that had come around to receive him.

Addressing them, Odetayo, who expressed surprise that he was suspended without being queried, said he returned to the school having secured order of court which had restrained the governor, Ademola Adeleke, from appointing another rector.

“I was really surprised when my suspension letter came in because prior to that, I didn’t receive any query or called for any meeting.

“I am resuming back to office because the court has given an injunction on the matter and there is a stay of execution.

“I know our governor is a listening person and I want to appreciate him for allowing the rule of law take its course. I am back to continue working towards moving the polytechnic forward,” Odetayo said.

Osun State Government had suspended Odetayo through a letter dated July 11, citing financial recklessness and abuse of office.

It subsequently appointed Mr. Kehinde Adeyemi as Acting Rector, while a committee was constituted to investigate allegations against the suspended Rector.

Meanwhile, Acting Rector of the institution, Adeyemi, in a statement called for calm, describing Odetayo’s return as “forceful invasion”.

The statement further read in parts, “Following the forceful invasion of the office of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree’s Rector, by the suspended Rector of the institution, as the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, I appeal to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm.

“I urge you to remain calm and go about your normal duties without any protest. The government has taken steps to ensure that normalcy returns.” (The PUNCH)

Update news