Stakeholders have asked Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to reverse the appointment of Mr. Adewumi Adebowale Sefiu as the Rector of the State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke.
Their main grouse is that the governor once again appointed an indigene of his hometown, Ede, in continuation of his allegedly usual practice.
Calling for a reversal: of the appointment, they warned that allowing such a precedent would erode public trust in governance and damage the integrity of state-run educational institutions.
They complained also that the selection process lacker transparency, merit, and adherence to due process.
At a press conference in Esa Oke, the stakeholders including legal luminary Barrister Femi Fafowora and traditional leader Chief Taye Taiwo, raised concerns over several issues surrounding the appointment:
They accused the governor of favoritism, citing a pattern of appointing his kinsmen as heads of key institutions in the state.
According to them, such moves undermine the principle of equitable representation and merit-based appointments.
They also alleged qualification discrepancies expressing dismay that Adewumi, reportedly a third-class graduate in Statistics from the University of Ilorin and holder of a professional Master’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, was selected over candidates with higher academic credentials, including PhDs and Professorships.
On breach of due process, they said that despite a public advertisement for the position, the process was allegedly manipulated to favor a pre-selected candidate, thereby disregarding competitive procedures and the spirit of institutional excellence.
Barrister Fafowora lamented, “It is disheartening that the Governor has introduced nepotism into the state’s administration. Osun has only two polytechnics, and both are now headed by individuals from Ede. This sends a wrong signal.”
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Taiwo emphasized the need for fairness, noting that appointments to public institutions must reflect competence, not familial or political affiliations.
The uproar underscores broader issues in Osun State around leadership accountability, equitable governance, and the long-term credibility of public institutions.
They called on the governor to reconsider his decision in the interest of justice, equity, and the future of OSCOTECH.
