By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
OSOGBO – The panel of inquiry sets up by Governor Ademola Adeleke to investigate the N200million scandal rocking Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun has commenced its sitting behind closed doors.
The panel comprising of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, the SSG, Teslim Igbalaye and the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole to meet with both the school’s Governing Council and management to investigate the said scandal with a view to punishing those found wanting.
The Provost of the College, Professor Jimoh Afolabi had accused the council Chairman, Elder Peter Babalola of collecting school fund using his personal account and third party. He also alleged that Babalola has been holding council meeting fortnightly receiving N660,000 as sitting allowance.
Babalola in response denied holding meeting fortnightly, alleged the Provost of concealing documents from the council and purportedly suspended him from office after he was found wanting by a panel of the council.
However, Governor Adeleke gave the Kazeem Akinleye-led panel two weeks to investigate the allegations and counter allegations within which to submit its report.
When contacted to know if the panel has started sitting, Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye said the committee has commenced its sitting behind closed doors, adding that its inquiry is ongoing.
“Yes, we have started sitting behind closed doors and investigation is ongoing”, he added.
Meanwhile the panel in a statement earlier issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed barred the warring parties from speaking with media on the matter to avoid dragging the school integrity in the mud, assuring the public of fair hearing on the matter.
“The panel observed that aside from the undue personal attacks that the media appearance has so far generated, the Government is concerned about the damage to the integrity and reputation of the college”, it added.
Source: Vanguard