By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has appealed to citizens of Ile-Ife to give peace a chance and stop the ongoing protest forthwith.
The Ife indigenes embarked on series of protest over the choice of the new Vice Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University
In a statement by his Oyetola’s Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan on Tuesday evening, the governor noted that Ivory Towers anywhere in the world is a sacred place and everything must be done to accord it that dignity.
He noted that though the state has no role in the choice of who becomes the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, being a federal institution, he has responsibility for the safety and security of the institution and its workers as the host governor.
He, therefore, urged all protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign.
“It is with heavy heart and a deep sense of concern that I call on the good people of Ile-Ife, especially those protesting over the choice of a new Vice Chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, to stop further protest and give peace a chance.
“By their nature and functionality, universities are rules-and convention-based conservative institutions premised on academic and governance autonomy.
“If we have any reason to believe that these rules are circumvented, there are laid-down procedures to remedy such situations rather than resorting to self-help.
“We are known for peace in Osun. We must, therefore, not do anything to tarnish that enviable reputation, “ Oyetola pleaded.
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