Olumide Lawal
There was a mild drama at the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday when loyalists of the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Anthony Elujoba and the Bursar, Mrs Aderonke Akeredolu invited for interrogation over alleged diversion of N1.4 billion besieged The Place.
The Head of Public Affairs, EFCC Ibadan Zonal office, Mr Ayo Oyewole said the duo were invited for interrogation based on a petition received that the duo allegedly diverted the said amount illegally without approval.
According to him, in the petition they were alleged to have diverted the amount without approval from the Federal Ministry of Education and the institution’s governing council.
“The said amount was used to settle some allowances, out of which the VC paid himself N7million as furniture allowance.
“He was also said to have paid others varied allowances from the said amount,” he said.
Among the associations are the Students Union Government (SUG) members, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), all of OAU chapter.
Others are Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and hosts of others.
Dr Niyi Sunmonu, the Caretaker Chairman, ASUU, OAU said that the VC and others could defend themselves, saying the VC had done much in the interest of peace for the institution.
He said that the VC had in the last five months of his assumption had turned around the institution positively.
Mr Ademola Oketunde, the SSANU Chairman, OAU said that it was better that Nigerians started addressing issues objectively.
He said that the VC had run a transparent administration to the extent that everyone in the institution took him for his words.
Oketunde said that the VC had set up task forces to investigate the activities of the institution, out of which some had submitted their reports.
“I hope these are not a ploy by some, who might have the fear of being caught to frame up the man.
“We are not here to prevent investigation and we believe he will come out clean. No one will allow his head to be cut off,” he said.
Mr Olusola Fadele, the SUG Electoral Chairman, OAU said that they were in Ibadan because they believed there was no “fire without smoke’’.
“We were surprised to hear the VC was being probed. We are not against people being probed but not someone who has achieved so much in five months.
“People like Prof. Bamitale Omole, who was alleged of gross mismanagement was not probed by the EFCC,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Olusoji Adeyosoye, the Vice Chairman, NAAT said that they had come to solidarise with the duo as lovers of peace and positive advancement of the institution.
