New OAU VC: Oyetola asks Ife indigenes to stop protests, says universities have rules, conventions
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has called on the people of Ile-Ife who are protesting the choice of a new Vice Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), to allow peace to reign in the community and stop their protest forthwith.
Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Tuesday evening, noted that Ivory Towers anywhere in the world are sacred places and everything must be done to accord it that dignity.
He pointed out that though the state has no role in the choice of who becomes the Vice Chancellor of OAU being a federal institution, but has responsibility for the safety and security of the institution and its workers as the host governor.
He then urged all the protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign.
He said: “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 the Obafemi Awolowo University, 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.”
