His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, FNIVS, FNIM, RSV, D.Sc, D.Litt., FFPI, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, has called on the leadership of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, to prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and equity in its operations and administration.
Oba Olugbenle made this appeal while receiving a delegation from MAPOLY led by the Rector, Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso, on a courtesy visit yesterday, 21st January, 2025. While discussions centered on fostering partnerships for educational advancement, the royal father took the opportunity to address issues of perceived marginalization within the institution.
The monarch expressed concern over what he described as “clear marginalization, harassment, and a destructive pull-down culture” targeted at Yewa indigenes working in the polytechnic. He cited the difficulties faced by the former Rector – who was the first Yewa indigene to hold the position – stating that he was only able to complete his tenure through the intervention of the Ogun State Governor.
“Enough of the blatant marginalization and exclusion. Ogun State belongs to all of us. This hypocrisy and ‘have-it-all’ syndrome are what fuel agitations for state creation across the country,” Oba Olugbenle stated emphatically.
He urged the Jolaoso-led administration to embrace inclusivity, rise above biases, and foster unity within the polytechnic. The royal father emphasized that support for appointed leaders should not be influenced by their place of origin, but rather by their ability to contribute to the growth of the institution.
The Paramount Ruler called on the Jolaoso-led administration to rise above biases and work towards uniting the institution for the collective good of the polytechnic and the wider community it serves.
