LAUTECH: Omoworare Warns Oyo State Lawmakers Against Manipulation

LAUTECH: Omoworare Warns Oyo State Lawmakers Against Manipulation

By Olumayowa Ojo

Senator Babajide Omoworare has warned members of the Oyo State House of Assembly not to be manipulated and act antithetical to their true political stature on the joint ownership crisis rocking the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

Omoworare who described the call for the expulsion of Osun indigenes who are workers of the university as backward and uncalled for, said the Oyo State House of Assembly as an institution should proffer lasting solution to the matter instead of joining unpopular call.

The senator stated this in a press statement signed by his Media Assistance, Mr Tunde Dairo, on Sunday.

He admonished the Oyo lawmakers not to fan the ember of discord between Osun and Oyo states, saying “The legislature should not be manipulated to act antithetical to its true political stature, lawmakers should act as statesmen in situations like this.”

Omoworare who is representing Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District at the Senate warned the people fanning the ember of discord between Osun and Oyo States on the proposed sole ownership of LAUTECH by Oyo state government to desist from such action.

According to Omoworare, it is unheard off and sheer wickedness to call for the extradition of Osun indigenes in LAUTECH to pave way for sole ownership by Oyo State, called on people or group making such call to desist from any proposals capable of aggravating the situation.

The Senator lamented what he described as unfortunate the trend at which the LAUTECH crisis is going, saying it is time all hands to be on deck to resolve the matter without jeopardizing the unity and oneness of Osun and Oyo state.

Omoworare stated that Osun had for long been responsible partner in the LAUTECH venture financially resourcefully and morally despite being at the receiving end on the project

He said: It should be recalled that in 2010, Osun State paid monetization arrears to a tune of N900Million while Oyo State has not paid a kobo till date. “As it stands, out of eight academic faculties of the University, Oyo hosts 7(1/2) while just half complement of the college of Medicine is in Osogbo.

“The Pre-degree Science Programme, Distance Learning Programme, Part Time Programme and the Post-graduate school are all resident in Ogbomoso.”

Omoworare also lament the economic imbalance as regards LAUTECH, saying “85% of the student population is domiciled in Oyo State. Out of staff strength, Osun indigenes are about 600 while about 1100 are from Oyo State. This does not only show the imbalance in the States relationship, it equally places Oyo State at an economic advantage over Osun and we never complained.

“LAUTECH is a commonwealth of Osun and Oyo State and we have jointly and equally funded the University for 25 years. The two states are proud owners and should continue to see LAUTECH as our success story.

“That Osun cannot meet its financial obligation for a year is not to say we are irresponsible.

“In a situation like this, calling for all out war and total breakdown of the system for selfish interest of any segment or section will not work, LAUTECH remains a commonwealth of the two states until the recommendation of the Supreme Court judgment of mutual consent for any split is respected.

“This is a political situation, laying blame on any state will not work, Osun is owing 14-month contribution of its equity while Oyo is owing eight months. It is unfair for anyone to play state righteousness cards.

“I have confidence in the ability of the two Governors to resolve the crisis and I appeal to well-meaning indigenes of both states to support the governments in putting in place a mechanism to resolve the ranging crisis rather than drumming for war.”