Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has relieved the Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Professor Michael Ologunde of his duties till further notice.
The Governor in an order issued via a statement released by Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye on Friday evening, directed the VC to hand over to the next principal officer in rank.
The Governor in the statement also empowered the next principal officer in rank to continue the normal activities of the institution until further notice.
“His Excellency, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Governor of Oyo State and Visitor to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, has directed that the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor M. O. Ologunde, should step aside until further notice.
“Consequently, the vice-chancellor has been directed to hand over forthwith to the next principal officer in rank in order to ensure uninterrupted flow of normal activities in the university,” the statement dated 16th April reads.
It will be recalled that Oyo State took over the full ownership of the institution back in November 2020.
Explaining how the feat was achieved, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed that he and Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola had to set aside their political differences to resolve the ownership crisis affecting Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
The People Democratic Party Governor who visited Oyetola at his office noted that his counterpart acted like a statesman and put the interest of students of the institution above other considerations.
Makinde further stated that due to the crisis affecting the Institution, different groups were feeding him and Oyetola different information, but after considering all the issues, there was a need to protect the future of the students.
He took the opportunity to assure students from Osun State despite change in ownership status of the institution, that they would continue to enjoy the same privilege as student from Oyo State.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has said the statement of former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, describing him as “deadly” is wicked and malicious.