Suspended FUNAAB vice-chancellor strategises to challenge FG

…Hands over to deputy VC at night

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By Femi SHODUNKE

NIGERIA: AFTER series of consultations, the suspended Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has finally handed over to his most senior deputy vice chancellor, but in the night.

Oyewole in line with the Federal Ministry of Education’s directive handed over to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs) Oluyemisi Eremosele, between 7 and 8pm last Friday, just as he is planning on how to challenge the suspension order.

GatewayMail gathered that Oyewole, who was suspended over alleged corruption after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged him to court for prosecution, had delayed the handing over due to series of consultations he had with his “supporters” who counselled him on how he could defy the Federal Government’s directives to proceed on immediate suspension.

But after much discussions, it was further learnt, the vice-chancellor whose tenure expires on May 24, decided to quit and handed over to Eremosele.

“He had held series of meetings with ASUU leadership all day along with members of his caucus,” a source said, adding: “Their advice to him was to defy the ministry and stay put.”

The source added: “They were arguing that the letter was fake that the Ministry (of Education) had no power to suspend him because FUNAAB is now under the Ministry of Agriculture, hence the Ministry of Education should stay clear.  He was in the middle of all these arguments which eventually delayed his handing over till late in the night.”

Another source said: “Don’t be surprised if the VC or any of his caucus members decides to go to court to challenge the competence of the Federal Ministry of Education in suspending him. That’s part of their plans to challenge the government over the suspension of Prof. Oyewole.”

Oyewole, who is the General Overseer of Divine Heights Bible Church, Abeokuta, alongside the former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and ex-Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi, first appeared in court on Friday, November 25, 2016 on charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office.

Ogunlewe, Oyewole and Ilesanmi were alleged to have misappropriated the university funds running up to N800 million.

The Education Ministry had last Thursday directed Oyewole, who had refunded N2.4 million into government coffer few days after his appearance in court, to step aside from his exalted office.

The Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, told Oyewole in his letter the reason for the suspension thus: “Sequel to your arraignment before an Ogun State High Court on criminal charges, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, 24^th November 2016, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister’s approval to place you on suspension from Office with immediate effect pending the determination of the court case against you in accordance with extant rules.”

“You are therefore, directed to hand over the affairs of your office to the most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in the University,” Adamu said in a letter reference number FME/HE/SU/56A/V/929 dated May 5, 2017 and signed by Dr. Hussaini Adamu, acting Permanent Secretary.

GatewayMail gathered that the vice-chancellor, who wore forlorn look on Thursday after communicating the suspension to him, hurried held a meeting with his deputies and left the campus.

“He (Oyewole) wore a downcast look and drove furiously in a convoy of black cars around 11am out of campus, after a short meeting with his deputies,” a competent source at the university said.

The source added: “He had already packed out of the VC lodge since February; not even a pin remaineth.  His last public ceremony was at matric and inaugural lecture held on Wednesday, April 26.”

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