By Awoyemi Olayinka
Fresh controversies continue to swirl around the tenure of Dr. S. A. O. Adegoke as the substantive Rector of Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH) Esa-Oke, despite the Executive Order issued by His Excellency Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, addressing last-minute appointments made during the closing days of the previous administration led by His Excellency Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola.
Nationnewslead previously reported that the Osun state government, under the leadership of Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, had raised concerns regarding appointments made by the former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola after he lost the governorship election on July 16, 2022.
In a statement published in various dailies and radio programs, His Excellency Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, along with other PDP chieftains, declared their intention to review all appointments made after Oyetola’s electoral defeat and promised to ensure justice is served accordingly.
The Governor stated during his swearing-in process, “All appointments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in all the Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions, Boards, and Parastatals after 17th July, 2022, be and are hereby revised.”
Sources within the institution, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Dr. Adegoke received a letter on December 2nd, 2022, instructing him to vacate his office. However, he returned two weeks later, claiming to have received “mercy” from the present administration.
Critics demanding rectification of the controversies surrounding Dr. Adegoke’s appointment as the Rector highlight concerns over his eligibility and procedural irregularities in the selection process.
Further investigation uncovered that Dr. S.A.O. Adegoke, upon his reappointment, was 62 years and 3 months old, leaving him with just 2 years and 9 months of service. This contrasts with the Osun State Civil Service Rules and Regulations, which stipulate 65 years as the retirement age.
Section 15 (2) of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke Laws, provides for a Rector’s appointment for a term of four (4) years, with eligibility for reappointment for another term of four (4) years. However, the dissolved governing council extended his appointment until retirement age due to his ineligibility for a full four-year term.
Efforts to reach the Registrar of the college and his deputy for comment were unsuccessful, leaving questions about the application process unanswered.
Legal experts argue that the appointment of a Rector is a constitutional matter, with an indivisible tenure that cannot be fractioned. Thus, it should be defined in clear terms.
Moreover, sources within the institution’s registry department allege that due process was not followed in the selection of the incumbent Rector. Instead of advertising the position externally, as required, the process remained internal, potentially excluding qualified candidates from Osun State.
Nationnewslead attempted to reach Dr. S. A. O. Adegoke for comment but was unable to locate him in his office.
As the controversies persist and the administration of His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke remains silent on the matter, the public eagerly awaits a definitive pronouncement.
Meanwhile, investigations reveal that the Osun State government under His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola did not issue a valid appointment letter to Dr. Adegoke, raising questions about the legitimacy of his appointment. This development has sparked public inquiry into how a government can appoint a Rector without issuing an appointment letter, leaving the matter shrouded in uncertainty.
