Sidi Osho, the Ogun State Education Commissioner-designate, is currently battling for survival as Governor Dapo Abiodun eased her out of the government.
Osho was cleared by the House of Assembly to be appointed a Commissioner but was not available for the swearing-in when her other colleagues were sworn in in January.
Few moments after the swearing-in, a letter went viral detailing how she was dismissed as a staff of the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye since 2016, the reason, it was later gathered, for her absence at the swearing-in.
Although she has not been sworn in, Sidi Osho had continued, in the last five months, to occupy the office of the Education Commissioner, attending to official duties including appearing in public.
But in a twist to the events, the state government might have decided to ease the embattled appointee out of the system as the government issued a circular taking off official duties from her.
DAILY INDEPENDENT gathered that one of the Special Advisers to Governor Abiodun on Education Ronke Soyombo, last week, summoned a meeting of Directors in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, where a circular issued and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, was read to the hearings on the Directors.
A copy of the circular dated 30th April as obtained by DAILY INDEPENDENT directed the state officials to relate with Special Advisers and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, pending the appointment of a Commissioner and not Osho.
According to the circular, all issues affecting basic education are to be directed to Soyombo, while issues affecting Technical Education are to be directed to Joseph Odemuyiwa, another controversial appointee whose certificates have been called into question in addition to his dismissal also from the employment of OOU, amongst others.
Odemuyiwa has always claimed to be a Professor, but in the said circular, he was referred to as a Doctor.
The circular, which takes effect from May 5 and directed to the Head of Service and other relevant agencies read, “In view of the current situation in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, it has become imperative to make some role/responsibility clarification for efficient and effective discharge of overall responsibilities of the Ministry and to fast-track the attainment of the focus of this administration as it relates to Education.
“Sequel to the above, the underlisted role/responsible clarification is herewith spelt out:
“Basic Education (Primary and Secondary) – Mrs Ronke Soyombo; Technical Education – Dr Joseph Odemuyiwa; Tertiary Education – c/o Permanent Secretary until a Commissioner is appointed.
“The Permanent Secretary is to provide administrative support to all, as usual.”
Meanwhile, Osho, DAILY INDEPENDENT again gathered, has been making frantic efforts to save her job as different emissaries have reportedly visited the office of the SSG for intervention.
It was further gathered that the Palace of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland was also being mobilised to intervene on behalf of the embattled educationist.
Efforts by the present administration in the state to quash Osho’s dismissal or convert same to termination of appointment or retirement was unsuccessful as an appeal forwarded to the Council after her appointment was turned down.
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT of January 12, 2020 had exclusive reported how Osho was dismissed in 2016 by the Governing Council of the institution over alleged misconduct.
Osho also claims to be a Professor, but records from OOU indicated that she was also a Doctor as at the time of her dismissal.
Her dismissal letter dated April 18, 2016, with reference number OOU/ACA/P.1200/237 was signed by the Secretary of Council, Mrs O. A. Osunsanya who doubled as the Registrar of the school at that time.
At the point of dismissal, Osho, according to the letter, was of the Department of Home Sciences and Hospitality Management, College of Agricultural Sciences, Ayetoro campus of the University.
The Governing Council at its 182nd meeting, according to the letter, held that the allegations against Osho were duly investigated by the Staff Professional Ethics and Discipline Committee which found her guilty.
Content of the letter reads, “Council at its 182nd meeting held on Tuesday 8th March 2016, considered the report of allegation against of gross misconduct levelled against you which was duly investigated by the Staff Professional Ethics and Discipline Committee and submitted a report through Appointment and Promotion Committee.
“In considering the recommendations before it, the council viewed your action as unethical, and gross misconduct which is contrary to University rules and regulations and the conditions stated out in your letter of appointment.
“Council, therefore, in line with earlier recommendations of the Staff Professional Ethics and Discipline Committee and in accordance with extant codes of conduct, approved that you should be dismissed from the service of the University with effect from 8th March 2016.
“In view of the above, I am to inform you of your dismissal from the service of the University with effect from 8th March 2016.
“You’re hereby requested to handover all University properties in your possession to your Head of Department.”
Although the letter did not detailed Osho’s offence, it was gathered reliably that she was dismissed for alleged mismanagement of fund and abscondment of duty.
A source who was also familiar with the case but spoke on condition of anonymity because she was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed the dismissal and further maintained that Osho and others sacked at the same time were given ample opportunities to defend themselves.
She further explained that the dismissal followed due process as Osho was represented by Counsel from Afe Babalola chambers before the Staff Professional Ethics and Discipline Committee.
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