Former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and his successor, Ademola Adeleke, have engaged in a public exchange of words concerning the establishment of the University of Ilesa, located in Osun State.
The verbal tussle between the two leaders unfolded during their separate condolence visits to the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, as they paid their respects to the community following the passing of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
Governor Adeleke, during his visit to the traditional council, emphasized his role in ensuring the operational status of Ilesa University.
He noted that not only did his administration see to the institution’s establishment, but it also facilitated the release of funds crucial for its take-off.
The Governor pointed out that these actions demonstrated his commitment to the development of the university.
“I did not only ensure the establishment of Ilesa University, but also ensured that funds were released for its take-off,” he stated.
However, Oyetola, through his representative, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, disputed Adeleke’s claims during his own visit on Monday.
Oyetola maintained that it was his administration that laid the groundwork for the university, securing necessary approvals and launching development efforts well before Adeleke’s tenure.
Speaking to the council, Oyetola said, “It’s on the strength of my agreement with Baba that I moved UniIlesa from mere paper approval to a functioning university with over 90 accredited courses. Our government not only provided a take-off grant for the new university, we equally commenced infrastructural development of the university while I appointed a top-class Ijesa academic to lead the university.”
Oyetola’s camp further rebuffed Adeleke’s claims of initiating the university’s establishment, stating that Adeleke’s assertions amounted to misrepresentation of facts.
Oyebamiji, speaking on behalf of the former governor, argued that the creation of the university was already in motion long before Adeleke assumed office.
“There is no controversy over this. Oyetola’s government established the Ilesa University. There is no controversy, I repeat, and if anyone has anything contrary, he should come forward to negate this with facts, not by propaganda means,” Oyebamiji asserted.
He further explained that the National University Commission had granted approval for the university during Oyetola’s administration, making it clear that any subsequent actions were built upon foundations already established by the former governor.
“It is on record that it was Oyetola’s administration that engaged hands that sat with our team while in government to establish the university, and it is also on record that the National University Commission (NUC) approved the creation of the university before we constituted the Governing Board for the varsity,” Oyebamiji emphasized.
The former governor’s representative underscored that the establishment of the Governing Council, a significant step in the university’s evolution, could not have occurred without NUC approval.
He expressed disappointment at the perceived pettiness of Adeleke’s administration, accusing them of attempting to take credit for achievements that predated their involvement.
“We should be reminded that no one will constitute the Governing Board without the approval of the National University Commission, so, if it is incontrovertible that Oyetola’s government constituted the Governing Council, then, the concocted insinuation has no basis in logic and rationality,” Oyebamiji said.
He concluded by affirming that the people of Ijesaland could attest to the veracity of these claims and hinted at releasing official documents to the public if necessary.
“I am very sure that the people of Ijesaland can testify to these facts. There are verifiable documents to this, and when the time comes, we will bring them forward to the public domain. It is unfortunate that some people could still be so petty to the extent that they would be claiming what doesn’t belong to them,” he added.
