The Osun State Government has reinstated Prof. Jimoh Afolabi, the Provost of the state-owned College of Education, Ila-Orangun, following his suspension by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Peter Babalola, for alleged financial misappropriation. 

The government has ordered that the status quo be maintained pending the outcome of investigations into the matter.

In response to the ongoing conflict between the College Provost and the Chairman of the Council, the state government established a three-man investigative committee, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye. 

The committee’s report made public on Thursday, recommended the reinstatement of the Provost and the reversal of his suspension.

The government issued a statement, with Committee Chairman Hon. Kazeem Akinleye emphasizing the need for the parties involved to avoid further escalation through media confrontation or legal action. 

He reminded the principal officers of the college of their responsibilities under the enabling law, public service financial regulations, and the oath of office they took upon their appointments.

After almost four hours of presentations by both parties, the committee further instructed both the Provost and the Governing Council Chairman to avoid further escalation either through media war or litigation.

Akinleye stated, “We also don’t want the crisis to paralyze the school. Any protracted leadership crisis can disrupt academic activities and even the peace of the Ila Orangun community