FUNAAB vice-chancellor defies, protest suspension, resumes work

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By Olufemi SHODUNKE

NIGERIA: IN line with his earlier vow to defy the Federal Government directive, the suspended Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, on Monday resumed at his desk.

Indeed, to prove that he is still in charge, impeccable sources confirmed that Oyewole, who is the General Overseer of Divine Height Bible Church and is currently facing charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office, signed the salary schedule of FUNAAB Staff School and granted approval of the sitting allowance and expenses incurred on the inauguration of the newly inaugurated Governing Council.

According to the inside sources, the embattled Vice-Chancellor was seen performing other functions undeterred in defiance of the directive to forthwith hand over to his most senior lieutenant, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) Catherine Oluyemisi Eremosele.

Besides, Oyewole, it was learnt, had forwarded a protest letter to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to justify the decision why he should not be suspended, and the rationale for defying the order.

But observers are saying that the refusal of Oyewole to vacate his seat was a sign of deliberate misconduct and insubordination, adding that any government officer on corruption charges, particularly being dragged to court, ought to step aside in line with public service regulations and even on moral ground if the person knows his worth.

Oyewole 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 corruption charges.

The Vice-Chancellor, Ogunlewe 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 first appearance in court, to step aside from his exalted office.

The Minister 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 the acting Permanent Secretary by Dr. Hussaini Adamu.

GatewayMail had exclusively reported that after series of consultations, Oyewole had vowed to dare the Federal Government.

The Vice-Chancellor had held series of consultations with his “supporters” who counselled him on how he could defy the Federal Government’s directives to proceed on immediate suspension.

“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.” 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.”

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