Ajimobi, Aregbesola meet to resolve LAUTECH crisis

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday met in Ibadan to discuss the lingering crisis rocking Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

The meeting, which was also attended by their deputies, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo (Oyo) and Chief Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun), as well as other senior officials, took place at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan. 

The parties restated that the joint ownership of the institution by the two states was not negotiable.In a communique signed by the two governors and read by Ajimobi, they also announced the setting up of a visitation panel, headed by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), as a follow-up to the meeting.

Other members of the panel are Rasheed Afolabi, Prof. Grace Akinola and Prof. Sola Fajana, representing Osun as well as Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Prof. Ayo Salami, Mr. Ayo Raji and Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Aderonke Makanjuola (Secretary) for Oyo.

The panel was saddled with the task of reviewing the current terms of engagement between the two owner-states with a view to consolidating the joint ownership as well as conducting an audit into the institution’s sources and application of funds.

They are also expected to propose strategies for the overall improvement in the quality of education and service delivery in the institution. Ajimobi said: “In view of the historical affinity and long relationship between the two states of Oyo and Osun, the meeting resolves to rededicate all efforts towards the development of mutually-beneficial goals that will further cement the bond of friendship and brotherhood between them.

“As brothers, sisters and family members of the same Yoruba ancestry, the meeting agreed that this should be a time of consolidation between the states rather than a time of fragmentation.

“Consequently, the meeting agreed to an irrevocable commitment to joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, in accordance with the laws setting up the institution.”

Ajimobi added: “We enjoin all residents of the two states, as well as other stakeholders, including students, teachers and workers to go about their lawful duties and resist any temptation to take the laws into their hands. The meeting warned that anyone or group that does otherwise will face the full wrath of the law.”