Governor Ademola Adeleke has given his consent to the prompt suspension of the Provost of Ila College of Education, aligning with the interim findings of the Investigation Panel led by Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye.
In accordance with a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor has endorsed the committee’s suggestion that Dr. Peter Babalola, the Chairman of the Governing Council, continue in his role, as there is no verified evidence of power abuse or financial misconduct against him.
Rasheed emphasized that the accusation of a fraud amounting to over N200 million against the Council Chairman lacked substantiation, with no supporting documentary evidence or transaction particulars.
He further explained that the cash advance of N3 million extended to the Council chairman adhered to the financial regulations of the college, and all relevant documentation was thoroughly verified by the committee.
“Based on a thorough review, the committee discovered that the allegation of N200m fraud leveled against the Chairman of the Governing Council is untrue, diversionary, baseless, and fallacious.
“Documentary evidence (voucher) revealed that he only collected a sum of Three Million Naira (N3m) as a cash advance which is officially allowed.
“On the Provost, the Committee reviewed three previous reports of investigations into various allegations of financial malfeasance, abuse of power and corruption leveled against him dating from past administrations to date.
“The Committee after a thorough review of the reports including that of the State House of Assembly alongside its own investigations recommended immediate suspension of the Provost, which is now endorsed by the State Governor.
“Sequel to the findings of the investigative Panel, the Provost of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Prof.Jimoh Atanda Afolabi is hereby suspended on the grounds of financial impropriety, concealment of official information/ records; and failure to update the Governing Council on the important issues of the College,” the statement said.
Additionally, it mentioned that the Committee is scheduled to present its conclusive report at a subsequent date.