Falana: Don’t rename Tai Solarin College of Education after Awujale

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has kicked against the move by Ogun State government to rename Tai Solarin College of Education after the Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement, Falana said: “It is indisputable that the late Dr. Tai Solarin, founder of Mayflower School, Ikenne, contributed immensely to the educational development of Nigeria. In appreciation of the contribution of the late educationist, the Ogun State government rightly named a tertiary institution after him, the Tai-Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology.

“Surprisingly, the Dapo Abiodun administration has announced its decision to rename the College of Education after a highly respected monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode. The decision ought to be jettisoned as the governor has not adduced any reason for denigrating the indelible record of the late foremost educationist. 

“However, in view of the contribution of the Awujale to the cultural development of Ogun State and his consistent defence of justice and fair play in the country, the Ogun State government is advised to name an important institution after the monarch. The governor does not have to assault the memory of the great Solarin to honour Awujale.   
 
“Besides, the governor should be wary of the historical implications of such a seemingly insensitive decision. For the immense contributions that Solarin made to enhance our collective humanity, his memory cannot be honoured enough. Indeed, any country should be proud of the legacies of Tai Solarin and be interested in immortalising him,” he said.