Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State on Friday September 6, warned Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde against inciting the staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the people of Oyo state against the government and people of Osun state, following his comment of Osun state government not fulfilling its obligations in the running the University jointly owned by the two states.
In an interview with BCOS TV on his first 100 days in office, Makinde had said he won’t shy away from splitting the institution as it is “very important to Ogbomosho”.
He further explained that an agreement to split the institution was signed during the administration of Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), but never implemented.
“Yesterday, the governing council came to see me and we discussed all these. We’ve signed for worker payments but since it’s owned by both Osun and Oyo states, unfortunately, Osun state has not paid. This can not continue,” Makinde said.
“A few days ago, I spoke to the Osun governor, Gboyega Oyetola, the plan to split was signed between Akala and Oyinlola but we don’t know why it wasn’t implemented. Oyo State will have to pay the salary of LAUTECH (Osun’s share) because I don’t want the students to suffer.
“If we have to split up, then so be it, I won’t shy away from this divorce. LAUTECH is very important to Ogbomoso.”
However in a statement released on behalf of the Osun State Governor by the Supervisor of Ministry of Information, Adelani Baderinwa, Governor Oyetola accused Governor Makinde of playing a greedy man’s script.
He added that they are aware of Makinde’s campaign promise of acquiring LAUTECH and making it the property of Oyo government alone. He also advised the Oyo State Governor to take a “rational path before making any statement on LAUTECH matter.”
