Oluwadare Ijawoye, the sacked chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, RUGIPO chapter, and his secretary, Ade Arikawe, described the management action as illegal
On Tuesday, the union leaders were sacked for what the institution’s management described as “gross misconduct.”
Mr Ijawoye said in his response to the sack on Wednesday that the matter was already before the court and the school “was not supposed to take any action until the case was determined by the court”.
He also said that confirming the appointment of the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Gani Ogundahunsi, was illegal for the Banji Alabi-led Governing Council.
The union had accused the principal officers and the chairman of the governing council, of “monumental” corruption and misappropriation of the institution’s resources.
The management in a circular on Tuesday, said that the two union leaders had been sacked for gross misconduct.
Public Relations Officer of the institution, Samuel Ojo, also warned that the sacked staff should not be seen in the institution. He said that members of the public under the auspices of the polytechnic should not deal with them.
The statement also announced the suspension of ASUP activities in the school.
“This is to certify that Mr Oluwadare Ijawoye and Mr Ade Arikawe have been dismissed from the service of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, for gross misconduct and barred from entering the polytechnic,” the statement said.
“The duo, therefore, cease to be chairman and secretary of the suspended ASUP.
“Anyone transacting business with them is doing so at his risk.”
Mr. Ijawoye, however, said the management’s conduct was contemptuous of the National Industrial Court, which ordered maintaining the status quo.
He argued the Acting Rector’s appointment was unlawful and did not qualify for the role.
“As we speak, he is overaged. He is more than the required age of 59 years for would-be Rector should be,” he said.
“However, the ASUP will take the necessary action against it. The action of the council chairman is illegal. Despite the Industrial Court verdict that status quo ante should remain, he went ahead to sack us. We shall approach the court for redress.”