By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The appointment of Mr. Adewumi Sefiu as Rector of the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke, has stirred controversy across Osun State, drawing sharp criticism from concerned stakeholders—especially indigenes of Ijesaland.

Prominent voices, including legal luminary Barrister Femi Fafowora and traditional leader Chief Taye Taiwo, have condemned the selection process, alleging a lack of transparency, merit, and adherence to due process.

In a briefing held in Esa-Oke, the stakeholders raised serious concerns over several issues surrounding the appointment:

On allegations of nepotism, the critics accused the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of favouritism, citing a pattern of appointing individuals from his hometown, Ede, to lead key institutions in the state.

They argued that such moves undermined the principle of equitable representation and merit-based appointments.

On qualification discrepancies, stakeholders expressed dismay that Mr. 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.

Despite a public advertisement for the position, the critics said the process was manipulated to favour a pre-selected candidate, thereby disregarding competitive procedures and the spirit of institutional excellence.

The group urged the governor to reverse the appointment, warning that, allowing such a precedent would erode public trust in governance and damage the integrity of state-run educational institutions.

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 emphasised the need for fairness, noting that appointments to public institutions must reflect competence, not familiar or political affiliations.

The uproar underscored broader issues in Osun State around leadership accountability, equitable governance, and the long-term credibility of public institutions.

Stakeholders concluded by calling on the governor to reconsider his decision in the interest of justice, equity, and the future of OSCOTECH.