Members of Staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic in Iree, yesterday, protested against the suspension of Rector of the institution, Tajudeen Odetayo.

However, members of staff, under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Iree chapter, have suspended academic activities at the institution.

It was gathered that the part-time students currently writing their examinations were not attended to because of the protest. Chairman of the union, Fatai Afolabi, told journalists that the union did not accept the suspension of Odetayo, as it was not in line with due process.

He faulted the process of the suspension, saying that no committee tried Adetayo or found him guilty of the allegations. He said academic activities on the campus would remain suspended until the governor rescinds his decision.

Also, some of the students were chanting protest songs in front of the institution’s gate.

MEANWHILE, Adeleke has asked the ASUP to suspend the protest and resume academic activities, and warned them not to allow the opposition party to use them.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor assured ASUP and the students that the matter would be looked into and necessary measures taken.

He urged all to remain calm and shun the protest, which had led to closing the school gate, thereby disrupting the ongoing examination within the school.

The statement said that the OSPOLY Governing Board would soon be put in place to take over the matter and investigate the allegation, which led to the suspension and take appropriate action as soon as possible.

“I understand the reason for the protest over the suspension of the Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Adewale Adetayo. The step taken by the administration is necessary, but I assure you that a full investigation will commence and every misunderstanding will be cleared.

“I recognise the ASUP and I urge it to stop the protest and allow investigation to be held for the matter to be sorted. Please, do not allow yourself to be used by the opposition. You are important to the government and the public. Please, stop the protest and allow peace to be restored to the school community,” the statement added.